Counting the hidden cost of cheap vacations

Tourists from the mainland visit Hong Kong.[Photo by Edmond Tang/China Daily]

"Competition is very fierce, with too many travel providers trying to offer too many products, and some consumers just want the cheapest," said the man, who gave his surname as Chen.

"To attract as many tourists as possible, many travel agencies have to lower their prices and figure out their own ways to make ends meet, usually by accepting commissions for forcing tourists to shop," he added.

The results of an investigation conducted by the China Consumers Association and the China National Tourism Administration, and published on Oct 28, supported Chen's comments. "More than 74 percent of domestic travel routes have serious problems. In some southwestern and northeastern regions of the mainland, forced shopping is a prominent problem ... and many tour guides accept illegal commissions," it said.

In addition, an undercover investigation carried out by five authorities in Yunnan province during the week-long National Day holiday in October showed that travel agencies and stores make illegal profits by coercing tourists to buy overpriced souvenirs, while travel agencies rake in as much as 70 percent of the cash generated.

The tourist's death prompted widespread media coverage of tourist traps, including stories of mainlanders being detained in stores and malls until they had spent a prescribed amount.