Govt depts ask local bodies, platforms to facilitate accommodation of visitors

China has issued several measures to better facilitate the accommodation of foreign visitors, and local governments and online platforms should not restrict accommodation operators from receiving foreigners due to qualification requirements, according to a joint statement released by seven government departments on Thursday.

The government will support accommodation operators, which are mostly hotels and B&B operators, to carry out trainings to enhance their service capabilities, further simplify the information collection process for foreign visitors at check-in, and continuously promote the payment convenience, said the statement.

The statement was jointly released by departments, including the Ministry of Commerce, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, National Immigration Administration, and the People's Bank of China, the country's central bank.

Qualified accommodation operators are encouraged to upgrade their service standards and facilities, and provide information services related to tourism, transportation and shopping for foreign visitors, the statement said.

It is encouraged to post Chinese and foreign language signs at hotels, and provide convenient services such as artificial intelligence translation devices or front desk receptionists who can speak foreign languages, the statement said.

zhuwenqian@chinadaily.com.cn