China eyes tourism development through legislation

BEIJING -- Chinese lawmakers Monday started the first deliberation of a draft law on tourism, aiming to promote the development of the country's booming travel industry.

The draft includes operating standards for travel businesses and scenic areas, as well as a clause that prohibits travel agencies from forcing tourists to purchase goods.

The draft says tour guide services fees must be clearly listed in travel contracts and travel agencies may not charge tourists for any expenses not included in the contracts.

An explanation for the draft says China aims to improve the quality of its travel services, create a smooth path for the travel sector's development and turn the sector into a pillar of economic growth.

China's domestic travel market is the world's largest. The country ranks third globally in terms of tourists received from overseas.

The country has no specific law concerning tourism, but does have some administrative rules concerning travel agencies and tour guides.