China to inspect enforcement of tourism law

BEIJING -- China's top legislature is about to launch inspections of the enforcement of the country's tourism law, targeting irregularities such as overpricing and hidden fees, authorities announced on Friday.

The check-ups will last from September to mid-October, according to a statement released after a meeting of the group responsible for the inspections under the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress.

They will focus on market order, tourism management, the protection of tourists' legal interests and the protection of historical attractions.

Three inspection teams will be dispatched to the provinces of Zhejiang, Hainan, Sichuan, Shaanxi and Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, while the situations in another eight provincial-level regions including Beijing will be reviewed by local people's congress committees.

As well as unannounced and anonymous inspections, the teams and committees will study local officials' reports, symposiums and public opinions to ascertain how the law is being enforced, the statement said.

The tourism law took effect on Oct. 1 last year, aiming to regulate China's tourism market and improve its tourist services. It bans profiteering from dodgy practices like obligatory shopping outings on tours, and rules that scenic spots must not receive visitors beyond their capacities.