Agencies must not rip off travellers and must provide reliable information about when it is unsafe to travel in certain countries. They are also required to inform customers of the destination country's culture, customs and laws.

The new policy, detailed in Management Measures for Chinese Travelling Abroad, says that agents' quotes must not be below cost price. They should not force customers to make purchases, change an itinerary without permission or reduce the items included in a travel package.

And travel agencies must sign a written contract with customers and sign another contract with the overseas travel agencies responsible for the Chinese travellers.

In addition, travel agencies must guarantee travellers' personal safety and property security. And if travellers get into trouble, they have the right to seek diplomatic protection.

(Xinhua News Agency July 2, 2002)