In the wake of complaints over deteriorating service for Chinese tourists, the Control Yuan gave an unabashed reminder to tourism authorities to take measures to fix the problem.
Control Yuan members Hung Te-hsuan (洪德璇) and Ma Yi-kung (馬以工) submitted an investigative report last week on businesses that cater to Chinese tourists after receiving complaints that Chinese tour groups were being charged high prices, but were not receiving the corresponding standard of travel services despite the existence of regulations governing tour quality.
The report found that with the increase of Chinese visitors, some unscrupulous operators of local handicraft stores were deliberately raising the prices of goods and services to Chinese consumers and passing on the extra earnings as bribes to tour guides for bringing in the Chinese customers.
Such “skin-peeling stores” have harmed consumers’ rights and damaged Taiwan’s tourism reputation, the report said.
The Control Yuan suggested that the Tourism Bureau hold talks with its Chinese counterpart to discuss how to resolve these price manipulation problems.
In addition, several deadly accidents involving Chinese tourists over the past few years have also tarnished the country’s reputation, the report said.
For instance, on April 27, a forest train crashed on Alishan — one of the most popular destinations — killing five Chinese tourists and injuring more than 100.
The Control Yuan reminded tourism authorities to improve safety at tourist spots to prevent such tragedies from happening again.
Hung yesterday said his report also suggested that the Tourism Bureau work out supporting measures as early as possible for Taiwan to host independent Chinese travelers, who would soon be allowed to enter Taiwan.
Many problems can arise once this door is open, including the safety of the anticipated visitors, as well as a possible threat against the country’s national security from Chinese travelers who go rogue after their visas expire.
“Another challenge is whether operators can provide the independent travelers with complete and correct information for sightseeing in Taiwan to avoid disputes,” Hung said.
The report, reviewed by the Control Yuan on Tuesday, has been approved and delivered to tourism authorities for reference.
According to the report, the number of Chinese visitors, including those for business and leisure, totaled 3.36 million as of April 30. The count started in July 2008, when group tours from China were first allowed.
These travelers spent a total of NT$195.8 billion (US$6.76 billion) during their stay in Taiwan, the report said, noting that most hotels, restaurants, tour buses, retail stores and night markets have benefited from Chinese tourists.
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