New rules aim to help older travelers

China has introduced a new guideline covering services, safety and healthcare for senior tourists. The standard, which will take effect on Sept 1, is the first national industry standard to focus on the needs of a specific group.

According to the China National Tourism Administration, the standard is designed for tourists over 60 years of age and requires, for example, that transportation and sightseeing schedules should not be too tight, out of health concerns for senior tourists.

Sightseeing time should not be scheduled for more than three hours and needs to include breaks for meals, the guideline says, and continuous time on the road should not be longer than two hours. Bus drivers should have at least five years of experience.