Substantial changes in the Tourism Law of the People's Republic of China

Change 1: Free activities replace shopping.

The Tourism Law stipulates that travel agencies shall not designate specific shopping places or arrange tourists to shop when organizing and receiving tourists.

Old travel contract: the number of times, names and names of shopping in the store every day will be marked in the itinerary.

The new version of the travel contract: all the shopping items in the store are cancelled, and only the daily travel routes, scenic spots, transportation and accommodation are included in the itinerary. In addition, the travel society sets aside half a day or a day for free activities during the trip to facilitate tourists to shop.

Interpretation in the industry: After the National Day, tourists will not be forced to go to shopping spots where tour guides get kickbacks, such as bird's nest shops and pharmaceutical oil shops, and the time for tourists to visit will be greatly increased; In Europe, America, Outlets, Paris Spring and other shopping destinations, tour guides will not take tourists. If tourists have their own shopping needs, they can go voluntarily in their free time during the trip.

Small change and 2 tips are included in the tour fee.

The Tourism Law stipulates that tour guides and tour leaders are prohibited from asking tourists for tips, inducing, deceiving, forcing tourists to shop or participate in other paid tourism projects in disguise.

Old travel contract: the tour fee does not include overseas tips, and overseas tips are not included in the travel contract.

The new version of the travel contract: the tour fee includes overseas tips, tour guides, tour guide service fees, overseas transportation service fees, indicating the daily price, and tips for several days.

Interpretation in the industry: In the past, when tourists traveled abroad, tour leaders or tour guides often asked local escorts or drivers for tips. Usually, tour guides and tour guides will give tourists the money they want, but no one knows whether to tip or how much. Writing tips into travel contracts can not only let tourists know clearly how much tips they have spent in the local area, but also effectively control the situation that local tour guides collect tips indiscriminately.

Change 3: All self-funded projects are cancelled.

The Tourism Law stipulates that travel agencies shall not arrange other paid tourism projects when organizing and receiving tourists.

Old travel contract: list all self-funded items separately, and self-funded items occupy travel time.

The new version of the travel contract: the self-funded items are not included in the tourist attractions of the itinerary, or they are simply cancelled.

Interpretation in the industry: In the past, tourists signed up for low-cost tours. In order to reduce the tour fee, travel agencies even changed some must-see attractions into self-funded projects. For example, if you travel to France, the entrance fee for Versailles needs tourists to take care of themselves, which is very unreasonable. After the 11th National Day, these "must-see" attractions are included in the tour fare, so tourists don't have to pay a penny, and of course the tour fare will increase accordingly.

Change 4: Both parties shall compensate for the loss of force majeure.

The Tourism Law stipulates that if the tourists are stranded due to force majeure, the travel agency shall take corresponding resettlement measures. Therefore, the increased accommodation costs are borne by tourists; The increased return expenses are shared by travel agencies and tourists.

The old travel contract: how to share the responsibility due to force majeure is not listed separately.

The new version of the travel contract: as a "supplementary explanation" of the contract, it lists the relevant contents in accordance with the provisions of the Tourism Law and requires both parties to implement it jointly.

Interpretation in the industry: After the 11th, if there are "force majeure" factors, such as the delay and cancellation of aircraft and the weather, which lead to problems in the itinerary, the expenses need to be borne by tourists and travel agencies. For example, in case of local unrest, it is necessary to evacuate to other places urgently, and this part of the cost is shared by travel agencies and tourists; If the plane is cancelled, causing tourists to stay in the local area, the extra accommodation expenses will be borne by the tourists. If the return ticket needs to be purchased separately, it will be shared equally by the travel agency and the tourists.