The newly published Henan Administrative Penalties Standards on Tourism specifies penalties for activities that are against the Regulations on Travel Agencies implemented on May 1, 2009.

Travel agencies that deceive or force tourists to go shopping or to take part in other paid activities that are not included in their contract will be fined up to 100,000,yuan tour guides and tour escorts will also be fined 10,000 yuan.

If these activities have caused economic losses of up to 30,000 yuan to tourists, travel agencies will have to pay a penalty of 400,000 yuan to 500,000 yuan, while tour guides and tour escorts will also be fined with 40,000 yuan to 50,000 yuan. Meanwhile, the agency's business permit and passes for tour guide and tour escorts will be suspended.

Charges for services that are outside of the contract will also be a reason for punishment. If the amount is below 1,000 yuan, a fine of 10,000 yuan will be imposed and the agency will be ordered to rectify the fault. For serious offences, fines of 40,000 yuan to 50,000 yuan will be levied. Agencies that have not signed contracts with tourists will also be punished with fines.

(China Hospitality News July 23, 2009)