Protecting interests of tour guides

A CCTV screenshot shows Chen Chunyan verbally abusing visitors on the tour bus.

A tour guide in Southwest China's Yunnan province, who was videoed verbally abusing tourists on a bus after she failed to persuade them to buy more souvenirs at scenic spots on April 12, was deprived of her license on Sunday. Comments:

The incredibly rude guide has paid the price for trying to force tourists to spend more. But like many colleagues, she is also a victim of the illegal operations of her employer, who intentionally attracted tourists with low prices then encouraged them to buy goods during the trip. The sacking of a single guide will not prevent similar curses befalling travelers, unless the tourism watchdogs at all levels enforce fair and legal operations among travel agencies.

Wang Shichuan, a guest commentator with Jiaxing Daily, May 4

Tour guides can only love and fulfill their roles when they are able to work decently, which requires efforts by more than one party. Tourism watchdogs should make efforts to improve the working conditions of tour guides, who should be covered by local labor unions for legal protection.

Qian Guilin, a guest commentator with scol.com.cn, May 4

The vicious and sometimes illicit competition between travel agencies is the root cause of the improper behavior by some tour guides. Those guides who are not offered at least the minimum wage due to the lack of supervision in the tourism industry will naturally seek kickbacks from local shops at the expense of their tourists' interests.

Fan Mingming, a guest commentator with jxnews.com.cn, May 4