Gov't to Crack Down Scams Targeting Chinese Tourists

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism on Tuesday announced a set of measures aimed at improving the experience of Chinese tourists in Korea.

They include rewards of up to W3 million for citizens who report anyone ripping off tourists from China (US$1=W1,210).

The ministry will also tighten screening of travel agencies targeting them.

The measures were prompted growing complaints from Chinese tourists that tour operators here are forcing them to make frequent shopping stops at certain outlets to recoup the money they lose from cut-price package tours.

The Korea Tourism Organization and Korea Association of Travel Agents will open booths where tourists can complain if they have been scammed or ripped off by guides, travel agents or taxi drivers.

The ministry will assess the performance of the 209 travel agencies exclusively targeting Chinese tourists every quarter instead of every two years, and revoke their licenses if they fail to meet criteria.

Travel agencies that are caught twice using uncertified tour guides will have their business license revoked and pay a W1 million fine for each offense.

Kim Jae-wonat the ministry said, "We aim to attract 8 million Chinese tourists this year, up more than 30 percent compared to last year, by enforcing strict regulations on the industry and boosting the quality of Korea's tourism industry".?