New rules put heat on naughty tourists

[Photo provided to China Daily]

Draft regulation allows sharing of blacklisted names with industry, govt agencies and public

Chinese tourists on the country's blacklist because of uncivilized behavior will face restrictions when taking flights, joining travel groups or even taking overseas trips, under a revised draft of travel regulations released on Monday.

Provincial and national tourism authorities can maintain records and share them with the public, travel agencies and industry organizations. Records can also be shared with government agencies responsible for public security, customs, inspection and quarantine, border protection, transportation and finance.

"Punishments can be imposed by travel agencies or other related agencies or organizations based on the record," according to the revised draft, which is in its public comment phase.

A few ugly incidents involving Chinese tourists have triggered negative reactions. The China National Tourism Administration introduced a measure in April 2015 to regulate tourist behavior by keeping records of bad behavior. So far, 19 people have been named.

According to the administration, examples of bad behavior include violating order on public transportation - including flights - damaging public facilities or historical relics, ignoring social customs at tourism destinations and becoming involved with gambling or prostitution.

Chinese tourists have long been asked to dress modestly in public, to avoid coughing in other people's faces and avoid pressuring foreigners to stand for photos with them.