China fights against illegal tourism operations

China's newly established top tourism authority said on Friday that it has continued fighting against illegal operations in the tourism market, especially internet operator and behaviors violating criminal law.

"We will set up law enforcement teams to monitor the tourism market in terms of environmental protection, industry and commerce, revenue, and culture," said Li Jinzao, vice-minister of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism.

"As for those serious illegal operations violating criminal law, we will deal with them in strict accordance with the law, rather than only make punishment by fines," he said. "For example, some so-called low-cost tourist groups forced tourists to buy goods. That is extortion, which violates criminal law."

In addition, the deputy minister also warned internet companies in the tourism market not to play petty tricks on consumers.

"Internet technology truly makes our travel much more convenient than ever before, but some internet companies should reflect on themselves if they receive complaints many times," Li said. "That is the next priority for our work."

Last October, a pop star in China called Han Xue complained on Sina Weibo that Ctrip made bundle sales when she was buying plane tickets. After that, many netizens shared their similar experiences on Ctrip.

In March, two users in Shenzhen bought plane tickets to Tunisia at a unit price of 9,262 yuan ($1,473) on Ctrip and applied for a refund 20 minutes later due to personal reasons. However, Ctrip's customer service told them to pay 18,527 yuan as a refund fee because the airlines had issued the tickets.

But after checking, the users found the airlines hadn't issued the tickets and what's more, the unit price was 6,415 yuan per ticket rather than 9,262 yuan.

After netizens and Shenzhen's consumer association complained, Ctrip finally apologized. But criticism over the company's bundle sales has still continued on the internet.