Tourists should know where to draw the line

A recent document made public on the official website of the local tourism bureau in Huangshan city, East China's Anhui province, has triggered discussions on social networking sites.

The bureau is soliciting public opinions on a proposal to make tourists who disobey rules at scenic spots, or enter restricted areas and fall into trouble, themselves bear the cost of rescue operations arranged by the local government.

Outdoor activities are becoming increasingly popular among tourists but they can be risky, leading to accidents. It is, of course, necessary to rescue the adventurous tourists, but who should bear the costs?

The local governments have been paying from taxpayers' money for rescue operations, but is that what the money is meant for?

If volunteers come forward to carry out rescue operations, they might not ask for money, but arranging helicopters or other resources costs money. Who will pay for those?

For a long time now, it is being whispered that the "adventurers" should themselves bear the cost of rescue operations, if any. The document in Huangshan is the first attempt to draft such a rule and the move has been largely welcomed on social networking sites.

The Civil Code clearly says that if tourists face danger or harm while traveling in the wild, local governments are legally obliged to rescue them. That means the tourists have a right to call for help. However, the clubs that organize risky outdoor activities must also do their bit to ensure tourists' safety and tourists must do their homework before embarking on such risky adventurous trips.

Those who challenge the rules and take bigger risks must bear the consequences themselves. If there are clear notices forbidding people from entering an area and yet they insist on going forward, they could still get rescued, but they must pay for the operation, to ensure that public resources are not wasted in this manner.