China to blacklist mis-behaving Chinese tourist

[Robertt S]

     
 

BEIJING -- China is starting to blacklist poorly-behaved tourists as it seeks to rescue the image of its citizens as holidaymakers.
According to a regulation by the China National Tourism Administration (NTA) that entered effect this week, tourists will be blacklisted for offences including acting antisocially on public transport, damaging private or public property, disrespecting local customs, sabotaging historical exhibits or engaging in gambling or pornographic activities.
Records will be kept in a two-tired system: provincial-level tourism authorities are responsible for cases under their jurisdiction while the NTA will be in charge of a nationwide register.
People will be blacklisted for two years after they offend, according to the regulation
The NTA said tourism authorities will inform blacklisted tourists and "propose correction measures in order to mitigate the negative impact".
It also said that tourism authorities reserve the right to report such violations to public security, customs and transport authorities as well as the central bank's individual credit department.
The regulation comes amid growing concern about the ill manners of Chinese tourists both at home and abroad.
In 2013, a Chinese tourist wrote his name on a relief carving in Luxor, Egypt. In December, a Chinese passenger threw a cup of hot instant noodles at a flight attendant on an international flight. Chinese tourists have been fined or jailed for carrying prohibited items or purchasing wild animal products.

http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2015-04/11/content_20411320.htm


Needless to say, the Chinese do not have a monopoly on ignorant and arrogant tourists. Many people seem to forget that common courtesy and good behavior is expected anywhere in the world you travel. I know when I was in the military and we were scheduled to make a port call in a foreign country the command always had a liaison officer to brief the entire crew on local customs, laws, and common courtesies before we were allowed to leave the ship. Maybe these countries that are having problems might start a similar program before granting exit visas to a citizen. I think the main thing people need to remember when traveling abroad is that you are a guest of that country and should act accordingly. Many tourist should also realize that money is not a substitute for good manners ( Americans included ), being wealthy does not make you immune from local laws and good behavior requirements. My Commanding officer always stressed the fact that the reputation of the US Navy and Americans in general was judged by each and every sailor's attitude and behavior when visiting foreign countries. This might be a good lesson for all travelers to remember when visiting other countries.

[Willy The Londoner]

The new regulations only apply to Chinese Citizens who travel outside China.  It has a lot to do with the traders in Shenzhen who travel into Hong Kong several times a day, buying there and selling on in the Mainland items that are hard to find in China. One of the main items are baby milk formula which they have restricted to a maximum of 6 a person, hence the many visits a day of traders selling to the increasing number of middle class Chinese. They traders need a passport.  There has been a lot of complaints of late of the behaviour of mainland visitor in Hong Kong. This had made it possible to institute the new regulations that cover anywhere in the World with the two year exit ban.

Of course for us foreigners in the Country we are still liable to the ten year ban from entering China if we misbehave here!

Willy