THE Shenzhen tourism authority Sunday (Mar 12) revealed that it had received 1,592 complaints related to travel services in 2005, while reminding tourists to better protecting their own interests and warning travel operators to offer lawful services.

Chen Huaidong, an official with Shenzhen's tourism bureau, told Shenzhen Daily the number of complaints was at par with 2004. The complaints were mainly divided into seven categories, including poor accommodation, excessive shopping, unqualified buses, accidental loss or injury, excessive charge on travel visas, and inflexible trip routes even the weather did not permit a enjoyable tour.

Chen said the tourism bureau received 1,480 complaints via phone and 112 written complaints. Among them, 739 were found to be valid. The authority assisted travelers in solving 112 complaints last year. The tourists received 950,000 yuan in total compensation from travel agents.

Tourists can call 8200-3220 for complaints or assistance.

The tourism bureau last year cracked down on illegal travel agencies that caused disorder in the marketplace with their low price quotations. One of the solutions was setting up the Shenzhen Sightseeing Co. to regulate day tour programs in the city, said Yi Nengquan, deputy chief of the municipal tourism bureau.

The city attracted more than 57 million tourists last year, of whom 6 million were overseas travelers, according to statistics from the authority.

Editor: Wing