The provisions prohibited tours to the not-yet open destination countries, business with unauthorized overseas travel agencies and overcharge of tourism fees.

"We will revoke the agencies which don not obey the rules," according to a high official with China National Tourism Administration (CNTA).

He said, the implementation of the rules will protect tourists' rights and interest.

As China develops its market economy, more Chinese people prefer to travel abroad with the help of agencies, which have provided many job opportunities. However, some problems emerged in this area.

Among the total 8,700 travel agencies in China, 65 are qualified to provide travel-abroad services.

(Xinhua 04/22/2001)