Sanya Imposes Zero Tolerance on Frauds Against Tourists

(Source: Sanya Tourism)

With the 2017 National Day holiday drawing near,officials from the Sanya tourism department said they will show zero tolerance toward “black operators” in the tourism market in the city and vowed a stern crackdown on any tour guides, travel agents or tour operators engaged in illegal operations over the upcoming holiday.

By handing out cash rewards for quality tip-offs by citizens, the local government is encouraging more civilians to report evidence of illegal acts affecting tourism across the city in a drive of intensifying efforts to regulate the tourism market

The circular encourages the public to report on inappropriate tourism-related activities that damage the interests of tourists, such as unqualified tour operators, typically legal taxis, unscrupulous merchants and kickbacks, illegal price hikes. If the informers are qualified for rewards, they will be rewarded ranging from RMB1000 to RMB150,000.

In the first eight months of this year, the Sanya tourism authority has received five tourist complaint cases and three of them have been successfully dealt with after essential evidence of misconduct lead to suspension and/or fines. Qualified informers have been rewarded with a total of RMB 100,000 by the Sanya tourism authority for their active reports on the illegal acts affecting Sanya tourism across the city.

To create a fair and better tourism environment for visitors, the local government is making great efforts to improve its tourism facilities and quality of services.

The city has launched a standard price system for travel agents, hotels, and scenic spots. Fruit shops and seafood stalls in the city are required to mark their prices clearly. Those who violate the aforementioned requirements will be suspended from doing business.

In 2015, Sanya set up China’s first dedicated tourist police force to enhance visitor service satisfaction and promote a quality tourism environment. Tourists visiting Sanya can ask the police for help if they have been the victims of fraud.

Tourists who encounter illegitimate business operations or cheating in the tourism market can register complaints by calling ‘12345’ and ‘12301’, Sanya’s tourism service and complaint hotlines.