Proposed tips for tour guides controversial

Tour guides will probably receive tips from tourists who are willing to reward their quality service according to a recent guidance jointly released by China's National Tourism Administration, Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security and the All-China Federation of Trade Unions. The document encourages travel agencies to establish an incentive mechanism for tour guides based on tips from tourists for quality service. Comments:

Tips will not only bring extra income to tour guides, but also prompt and encourage more of them to provide a better service to tourists. However, a win-win situation will only be possible when the tourism market is properly regulated and capable of protecting all customers' lawful interests and rights. Otherwise, tourists will feel less motivated to tip their guides, regardless of the incentive mechanism, and it may even deteriorate relations between the guides and tourists.

gmw.cn, Aug 22