Govt warns Chinese tourists to behave abroad  

旅游局回應游客在韓不文明現象：注意維護國家形象

據國家旅游局網站消息，國際旅游局向廣大游客提出警示，要求旅游者出境旅游要約束自己的行為，尊重當地的風俗習慣、文化傳統和宗教信仰；旅游服務人員應及時提醒、勸導游客，注意維護自身形象、地區形象和國家、國民形象。[查看全文]

(ECNS) -- The China National Tourism Administration (CNTA) on Thursday issued a detailed warning to Chinese tourists traveling abroad to avoid "uncivilized behaviors."

Tourists should mind their behavior and observe local customs, cultural traditions and religious beliefs, the notice on the administration's website said. Moreover, tourism operators should help tourists form positive images of themselves, as well as the region and country they come from.

Recently there have been frequent occurrences of uncivilized behavior and law-breaking among Chinese tourists in South Korea, such as jaywalking, smoking in non-smoking areas, littering or talking loudly in public places, which have seriously disrupted social order and aroused public outrage among local residents, the website said.

As a result, a special campaign has been launched by local authorities: unlawful acts will be subject to severe punishment or even arrest if law-breakers refuse to obey police orders or provide identity documents.

The Tourism Quality Supervision and Management Office, a regulatory department under the CNTA, also issued an advisory regarding Chinese tourists traveling to other countries:

First, according to the Tourism Law of the People's Republic of China, tourists should conscientiously abide by public order and social ethics; respect local customs, cultural traditions and religious beliefs; cherish tourism resources, preserve the environment and mind their speech and behavior.

Second, tourists should respect and observe local laws and regulations, mind their speech and behavior, and refrain from getting into conflicts.

Third, outbound tourism service agencies should fully inform tourists by giving detailed introductions to travel destinations, and positively guide tourists to abide by the "Guidance for Civilized Behavior of Chinese Citizens Traveling Abroad."

Fourth,tour guides and other service workers should timely remind or guide tourists to mind their speech and behavior so as to protect the image of the region and country they come from.