Tourist police safeguard visitors in resort city

They have also opened a hot line -- 12301, which tourists can call for help.

Tourist police were not invented by China. There are tourist police in countries such as Greece, Thailand, Russia and Egypt where tourism is a major industry. They are responsible for information inquiries, lost and found, fraud complaints and other tourist issues.

"What we are trying to do is let tourists feel at ease here," Qin said.

The special squad, composed of over 40 members, has also made those working in the tourism industry more careful in their work.

Guide Zhuo Cai (a pseudonym), said he and his colleagues now act cautiously in Sanya for fear of complaints.

"My colleagues often tell clients to communicate with them regarding any unpleasant experience instead of calling the police," he said.

According to the China National Tourism Administration, as of October, tourists police teams have been established in 34 Chinese cities and counties, including Lijiang, Xiamen and Qinhuangdao cities.

Li Jinzao, head of the administration, said tourist police are an enforcement innovation.

"With tourist police coordinating with different related departments and organizing joint enforcement, tourists' rights are better protected," he said.