Outrage in China over tourists detained for not buying at mattress shop – Times of India

Outrage in China over tourists detained for not buying at mattress shop – Times of India

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NEW DELHI: In a concerning event that has sparked widespread outrage and led to governmental action in China, a group of 37 tourists was reportedly detained inside a mattress store in Xishuangbanna, Yunnan, for hours on end because they did not purchase any products. This incident, captured in a viral video by one of the tourists, shows the group uncomfortably sitting and lying on beds while sales staff seemingly prevented them from leaving.

The tourists, who each paid 3,979 yuan (approximately US$550) for a group tour to Yunnan organized by Liaoning Youde International Travel Service and conducted locally by Faxian Zhilv, expressed their frustration and disbelief. The tourist filming the ordeal remarked, “This is the shop that sells latex mattresses in Xishuangbanna. We arrived at noon and we’re still here,” indicating their unexpected detainment, a South China Morning Post report said.

The clip quickly spread online, leading to an official investigation by the local market supervision authorities. The results of this inquiry led to the cessation of operations for the Taisi Dika Sleep Technology Company, the shop involved, and a hefty fine of 10,000 yuan (US$1,400) imposed on the tour guide responsible for the group.

This episode is not an isolated incident but part of a larger, troubling trend in the Chinese tourism industry where tourists are coerced into making purchases, often as a part of organized tours. Such practices have frequently resulted in public discontent and criticism of the travel and tourism regulatory framework in China.

Previously, similar incidents have occurred, including one where a family of five was ejected from a tour bus after refusing to purchase a gold bracelet priced at 50,000 yuan (US$7,000). Another incident involved a tour guide who was investigated for aggressively coercing tourists into shopping during an eco-tour, the SCMP report said.

These repeated episodes have ignited calls for stricter oversight and reforms within the tourism sector to prevent exploitation of travelers and ensure a more transparent and enjoyable travel experience. The recent incident in Xishuangbanna serves as a stark reminder of the need for continuous monitoring and regulation of tour practices to safeguard tourist rights and foster a healthier tourism industry.

(With inputs from agencies)

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