China urges nationwide awareness of summer travel safety

BEIJING - The Ministry of Culture and Tourism of China Saturday released an urgent circular on ensuring summer travel safety.

According to the circular, tourism departments across the country should strengthen connections with meteorological, ocean, land and resources and other departments, to deliver accurate forecasts and timely alerts for severe water and weather conditions.

Security checks against hidden risks should be carried out at tourist destinations based on summer tourism, the circular says, asking the departments to urge travel agencies to pay close attention to alerts and organize appropriate routes.

The ministry called for more education on travel safety, especially for independent travelers, whose awareness of risk prevention should be enhanced.

As for overseas independent trips, the ministry stressed the importance of examining online travel companies, agencies and platforms and their travel products, stating that those unqualified must be taken down, while tourists should demand tips from the agencies for high-risk travel plans.

Also on Saturday, the ministry released another circular on independent trips, warning Chinese tourists of major risks including in water activities, transportation, aerial activities, robberies and theft.

Two boats carrying 127 Chinese tourists capsized in turbulent waters off the coast of Phuket Island in Thailand Thursday afternoon. At least 38 people died and 18 remained missing, according to the latest report by the Chinese Embassy in Thailand.

Most of the tourists involved booked independent trips via online tourism platforms, according to the ministry.