What are the problems in the development of online travel platforms?

Many problems have been discovered in the booming development of the tourism industry

In recent years, the booming online travel platform has been favored by consumers for its efficient and convenient services. However, while bringing convenience to people's lives, the development of online platforms has gradually exposed problems such as false propaganda and consumer fraud. Hainan's industrial and commercial department has carried out key monitoring and supervision on the business activities of online booking, ticket booking, medical care, wedding photography, real estate promotion, online travel, group buying and other industries. It has interviewed the person in charge of platform websites such as Ctrip and Tuniu 22 times and ordered There were 687 network business entities that failed to make rectifications.

There are many problems in the development of online travel platforms.

First of all, the phenomenon of "name not worthy of reality" occurs from time to time. Consumer Mr. Chen reported that he booked a sea-view double room in a hotel on an online travel platform at the end of January 2017. After arriving at the store, the merchant made it clear that the sea view room was not at this price and could only provide another room type. After the platform negotiated with the merchant to no avail, the platform customer service explained that Mr. Chen booked a "side sea view room" instead of a "sea view double room" and refused to refund the booking fee.

Secondly, the refund fee exceeds the regulations. Mr. Sun, who lives in Beijing, told reporters that before the Spring Festival, he purchased two tickets from Beijing to Hunan online, but later applied for a refund because his travel plans changed. However, the agent deducts fees at 20%, far exceeding the 5% standard. Mr. Sun communicated with the agent many times. The agent said that the tickets were bought through "channels" and the cost was high, so they could only refund the tickets with high deductions.

In addition, the shortcomings of the agent system of online travel platforms have become increasingly prominent. Tourist Mr. Li booked a Sanya free travel product on an online travel platform during the Spring Festival this year. Forced to change room type due to hotel misoperation. When Mr. Li asked for a refund of the price difference, the platform and the hotel blamed each other. In the end, consumers did not receive a satisfactory answer.

Consumers should promptly safeguard their rights when they discover problems

If they find that the goods or services are inconsistent with the description when ordering, they should promptly report the specific content of the order, web service commitments, actual consumption, etc. To retain evidence, it is best to notarize web pages and other content. Experts said that when consumers encounter disputes, they can negotiate with the platform operator or hotel through customer service or a specialized complaint handling department. If negotiations fail, you can complain through the Consumers Association or the industrial and commercial department, or file a civil lawsuit in accordance with the law.