China to blacklist poorly-behaved tourists

A tourist climbs a tree to take photos at a scenic spot in Suzhou, Jiangsu province, on March 16, 2013. [Photo/CFP]

BEIJING -- China is starting to blacklist poorly-behaved tourists as it seeks to rescue the image of its citizens as holidaymakers.

According to a regulation by the China National Tourism Administration (NTA) that entered effect this week, tourists will be blacklisted for offences including acting antisocially on public transport, damaging private or public property, disrespecting local customs, sabotaging historical exhibits or engaging in gambling or pornographic activities.

Records will be kept in a two-tired system: provincial-level tourism authorities are responsible for cases under their jurisdiction while the NTA will be in charge of a nationwide register.

People will be blacklisted for two years after they offend, according to the regulation

The NTA said tourism authorities will inform blacklisted tourists and "propose correction measures in order to mitigate the negative impact".

It also said that tourism authorities reserve the right to report such violations to public security, customs and transport authorities as well as the central bank's individual credit department.

The regulation comes amid growing concern about the ill manners of Chinese tourists both at home and abroad.

In 2013, a Chinese tourist wrote his name on a relief carving in Luxor, Egypt. In December, a Chinese passenger threw a cup of hot instant noodles at a flight attendant on an international flight. Chinese tourists have been fined or jailed for carrying prohibited items or purchasing wild animal products.