The number of Chinese and foreign tourists in Tibet has significantly increased. (Xinhua file Photo)Observant citizens may have noticed that the number of Chinese and foreign tourists on the streets of Lhasa has significantly increased recently. But people may not realize that illegal operations, such as certain travel agencies organizing low-cost tours or illegally hiring tour guides who are unlicensed or possess counterfeit certificates, are also gradually increasing.
Special remediationInspections in scenic areas and attractionsOn June 28, reporters learned that in light of the problems exposed in Tibet's tourism market, the Tibet Tourism Bureau recently released an urgent notice requiring the tourism quality supervision and law enforcement authorities of every district (city) to adopt a series of measures. These include stationed inspection of selected attractions, selective inspections of hotels and restaurants in scenic areas, quality supervision of tour groups, as well as both open and undercover investigations, to strengthen quality supervision, law enforcement and punishment, in order to effectively maintain order in the tourism market.
(Xinhua file Photo)Understanding TibetDetailed information available on tourism websitesOnce the Tibet Tourism Information Website is launched, tourists will be able to view accommodation information on star hotels (restaurants) and family hotels in the seven districts and cities, as well as complaints about tourism enterprises. If they click the "Notice for Tourists to Tibet," they will also be able to read useful tips from Tibet's tourism authorities. For example, "In order to guarantee your rights and interests during your tour in Tibet, please do not join tour groups which offer a price below cost." "You can independently and freely choose extra consumption items, and you have the right to refuse any extra consumption item recommended by travel agencies, tour guides or tour escorts." "Please be alert to various consumption traps such as fortune-telling, medical services and medicine sales."
An official from the Tibet Autonomous Region Supervisory Bureau of Tourism Quality reminded people that when travel agencies enter contracts with tourists, they generally offer tour schedules. Tourists must carefully read and confirm whether the schedules match what they have booked, and study the details of all sightseeing arrangements. If tourists wish to know service standards and prices, they can ask their travel agencies to offer detailed price lists for various tour activities. In particular, the Tibet Autonomous Region has clearly stipulated that when describing accommodation, contracts or tour schedules should not use phrases such as "quasi-star level" or "equivalent to certain star levels."
Tourists have the right to ask related personnel to show certificatesReporters learned that when tourists decide to travel with a group, travel agencies must appoint tour guides trained and certified by a Tibet tourism authority to provide tour guide services. They should also arrange special vehicles capable of engaging in tourism and drivers qualified to drive these vehicles. Tourists have the right to ask tour guides and drivers to show relevant certificates and licenses.
Travel agencies must arrange tours according to the schedule agreed in the contract. If the time, route or tour package items have to be changed due to factors like an extraordinary event or circumstance beyond the control of the parties, travel agencies must explain this to the tourist group and secure the agreement of all group members, otherwise they have no right to change, cancel, reduce or add tour package items.
By People's Daily Online
http://chinatibet.people.com.cn/6690649.pdf
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