China's tourism watchdog to target discount shopping tours in wake of tourist death in Hong Kong
Mainland agency vows to punish travellers who knowingly sign 'fake contracts' for holidays that later descend into shopping marathons
Chinese authorities are stepping up a crackdown on dirt-cheap tours, vowing to punish tourists who knowingly sign "fake contracts" with travel agencies for discount holidays.
The decision comes after the death of a mainland tourist following an alleged attack over a shopping row in Hong Kong last week.
The National Tourism Administration said in an online notice yesterday that mainland tourists may be held legally liable.
"The administration is studying the relevant measures to deal with it," the notice said.
READ MORE: Police launch forged documents probe into Hong Kong travel agency linked to mainland Chinese tourist’s death
Travel agencies sometimes reach a deal with tourists to sign contracts for trips that appear to comply with government bans on unreasonably cheap tours. But the travellers know the itinerary will not be as stated in the contract.