Is it not an exception in Yunnan, where lawyers and journalists are prohibited from participating in delegations? Practitioner: This situation has been relevant for thirty years | Yunnan | Practitioner

According to media reports, recently, a new

During the summer season, compared to other regions in the country, Yunnan, which is cooler, is the preferred destination for many people to escape the heat. In addition to overcrowded airports and train stations, reporters have found that Yunnan tourism groups sold live by travel agencies on some short video platforms are also very popular. Although most tour prices exceed thousands of yuan, there is still a price advantage compared to trips lasting more than 4 days.

In the live broadcast room, when asked about the price by reporters, the hosts all stated that this price belongs to the "pure play group", but some travel agencies also stated that they may charge a certain price difference based on the different peak and off seasons. After registering, the relevant personnel of the travel agency immediately contacted the reporter. When they learned that the reporter was still traveling with a lawyer friend, the staff clearly stated, "In principle, it is not recommended for journalists and lawyers to participate in the group. If you want to participate in the group, you need to keep your professional information confidential and participate in the group as an individual."

The reporter checked the specific attendance instructions of three well-known travel agencies in Yunnan, but none of them indicated that some professions do not allow attendance. During the subsequent consultation process, all three travel agencies stated that there was no such thing as "journalists and lawyers cannot join the group", but they did not enjoy ticket discounts. "Because the agreed price has already been standardized," a travel agency staff member told reporters, but if anyone comes from the plain area, they will inquire about their age and physical condition. "For example, Lijiang and Shangri La have high altitudes, and some people may have high altitude sickness, old age, or some basic diseases may not be well tolerated."

On the 19th, Kunming China International Travel Service Co., Ltd. issued a statement regarding the news that some travel agencies in Yunnan have banned journalists and lawyers from participating in delegations. The statement stated that the company has noticed reports on the internet that some travel agencies in Yunnan prohibit journalists and lawyers from participating in tour groups, and do not receive customers from "sensitive industries" to avoid being photographed and shopping. The company has conducted a comprehensive review of these reports and has not found any involvement of the company's business in the aforementioned content.

Industry insiders:

For nearly thirty years, it has not been an exception in Yunnan

Regarding the situation where some professions are included in the "unpopular list", the reporter consulted Mr. Wen, a senior tourism industry insider who has been in the industry for more than 20 years. He said that this situation may belong to the "unwritten regulations" of the tourism industry.

Mr. Wen said that he entered the industry in the 1990s, and there was indeed a situation where journalists, lawyers, and teachers were not accepted. He is not clear about the previous self media statement that this content was included in the official textbook of the tour guide certificate, but it is not included in the foreign tourism management textbooks he has studied.

Regarding why these professions are not popular with travel agencies, Mr. Wen explained that in the era of traditional media, journalists have some say. "If you are not satisfied with the itinerary, you will use media exposure to deal with travel agencies." Lawyers, on the other hand, because travel contracts are all standard contracts, there may be deviations from the contractual provisions during the actual execution process, and some contract terms cannot withstand scrutiny; Teachers, on the other hand, tend to be more serious and sometimes have difficulty communicating.

However, Mr. Wen also stated that the "three noes" is an industry consensus and not targeted at Yunnan, as is the case nationwide. However, it mainly targets low-priced groups with "zero negative group fees" that previously had a "gambling group" situation. "Small package groups and pure play groups do not have this problem."

How can one determine if they are engaged in a certain profession without revealing their identity? Mr. Wen revealed that people engaged in "gambling groups" have their own ways and channels. "Some people can tell what you do just by chatting with you for a few words."

Yunnan Travel Agency Association releases an open letter:

Inviting media friends to join a tour group

On the 18th, a person in charge of the Yunnan Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism told the media that they are verifying and investigating the media's report that some travel agencies in Yunnan have banned journalists and lawyers from participating in tour groups. At the same time, it denies the claim that the work of rectifying tourism order is lax and poorly done.

On the evening of July 20th, the Yunnan Travel Agency Association released an open letter on its official WeChat account, inviting friends from all walks of life, especially media friends, to participate in Yunnan tourism. "We always welcome everyone to join Yunnan's tourism group with a rational consumption concept."

Screenshot of the open letter from Yunnan Travel Agency Association