Yunnan cracks down on irregularities in tourism sector

Yunnan would rather sacrifice its tourism income to continue promoting strict regulations, bringing happy travel experiences to tourists with government service being available anywhere, anytime, said Ruan Chengfa, governor of southwest China's Yunnan Province.

During a group discussion at the first session of the 13th National People’s Congress, Ruan said irregularities - including misleading promotions, forced shopping and poor management of tourist attractions - were holding back the development of the province's tourism sector.

In past years, the provincial government clamped down on budget tours featuring low cost and coercive shopping. In 2017, 1,443 cases were investigated and penalties of 19 million yuan ($3 million) were imposed. Thirty-seven business licenses and 10 tour guide certificates were revoked and 19 A-class tourist attractions were censured.

Tourists' complaints about accommodations, travel agencies and the management of scenic spots in 2017 dropped by 27 percent from the previous year.