Counting the hidden cost of cheap vacations

Protecting rights

China's Law on Tourism strictly forbids graft and exploitation, stating specifically that "travel agencies cannot attract, organize or accept tourists with prices below cost; cannot designate shopping places; cannot force tourists to shop; and cannot arrange activities with hidden payments".

The tourism watchdog has cracked down on ultra-cheap tours by safeguarding the rights and interests of guides, urging travel agencies to abandon low-priced products and drafting industry standards for agencies.

A recent move even suggested that tourists should shoulder responsibility for signing up for obviously underpriced tours.

Tung said the Travel Industry Council must work harder to change the poor conduct of tour guides and prompt member companies to meet service targets.

However, group tours originating on the mainland, reliant on commissions to turn a profit, are out of reach, he said.

The council requires operators in Hong Kong who receive inbound tours to declare itineraries, hotels and group members' personal details, but the cost of the tour is not included on the checklist because it's impractical for a Hong Kong regulator to verify deals made with tour organizers on the mainland, according to Tung.