Regulations on Travel Agencies
Order of the State Council of the People's Republic of China No. 550
February 20, 2009
The Regulations on Travel agencies, which was adopted at the 47th standing meeting of the State Council on January 21, 2009, is hereby promulgated and shall come into force as of May 1, 2009.
Regulations on Travel Agencies
Chapter I General Provisions
Article 1 These Regulations are hereby promulgated to strengthen management of travel agencies, guarantee the legitimate rights and interests of tourists and travel agencies, maintain the order of the tourist market, and promote the healthy development of the tourist industry.
Article 2 These Regulations are applicable to the establishment and business of the travel agencies within the territory of the People's Republic of China.
The travel agencies as mentioned in these Regulations refer to the operation activities entities engaged in domestic tourist business, inbound tourist business, or outbound tourist business, including soliciting for, organizing and receiving tourists and providing other tourist services to the tourists.
Article 3 The tourism competent authorities under the State Council shall take charge of the supervision and management of all travel agencies across the whole country.
The tourism administration departments under the people's governments at the county level or above shall be in charge of the supervision and management of travel agencies within their respective jurisdictions in accordance with their limits of power.
The departments of industry and commerce, price, business, foreign currency, etc. under the people's governments at the county level or above shall, in accordance with their limits of power, carry out supervision and management on the travel agencies in accordance with the law.
Article 4 While carrying out operation activities, the travel agencies shall observe the principles of voluntariness, equity, fairness, honesty, and creditability to improve service quality and safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of the tourists.
Article 5 The travel agencies industrial associations shall, in accordance with their regulations, provide the travel agencies with services, play a coordinating and self-discipline role, and guide the travel agencies to operate legally, fairly, and honestly.
Chapter II Establishment of Travel Agencies
Article 6 Where any person or entity desires to engage in domestic tourist business and inbound tourist business, it shall meet the following conditions:
1 Having fixed business venues;
2 Having necessary business facilities; and
3 Having registered capital not less than CNY300,000.
Article 7 Those applying for establishment of travel agencies to engage in domestic tourist business and inbound tourist business shall apply to the local tourism administration department at the province, autonomous region or municipality directly under the Central Government or the tourism administration department in the city with districts entrusted by the local tourism administration department, and provide relevant certification documents in line with Article 6 of these Regulations.
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