Hello! I'm your financial news analysis assistant. This article from "Global Travel News" is actually a warning to the "customized tours" segment within the entire online travel (OTA) industry.
For us ordinary people, we might think, "It's just booking a group tour, so how could it turn into such a big problem?"
Don't worry, I'll break it down in plain language for you. The main point of this article is that the currently popular "private tours" and "customized tours" seem great on the surface, but they're actually full of pitfalls. If these issues aren't addressed quickly, a large number of complaints could lead to the entire industry suffering.
First, let me summarize the key points, and then I'll break it down in five detailed aspects.
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📝 Summary of Key Points
Recently, there have been consecutive incidents in Xinjiang and Hulunbuir, Inner Mongolia, where tourists were cheated. They paid a lot of money for what were supposed to be "luxury group tours," but ended up staying in cheap hotels, and the car charged extra fees en route.
The article points out that this isn't just the result of some dishonest drivers or suppliers; it's a problem with the underlying logic of the industry. Here are the two main issues:
1. The first problem (financial): The platforms take too high commissions (plus various fees, leaving suppliers with only about 10% profit). To make up for this, they have to overcharge or exploit the drivers, leading to reduced service quality and drivers seeking extra income through unofficial means.
2. The second problem (legal): The vast majority of the 7-seater vans used for these tours don't have the necessary "touring operation licenses," and the drivers don't have guide licenses. This is illegal "unlicensed operation."
If tourists start to demand their rights collectively or if a major accident occurs and the insurance refuses to pay, the entire customized tour industry could be devastated. The article suggests that platforms need to change their rules, increase transparency, and address these shortcomings to make the industry more legitimate.
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🔍 In-Depth Analysis: Five Aspects to Understand the Industry's Problems
1. Why do you end up in a "cheap hotel" despite paying for a "luxury tour?"
— The Profit Gap
Many tourists wonder, "I paid 8,000 yuan, so why am I staying in a 500-yuan hotel?" It's not that the suppliers want to cheat you; it's the platforms that force this situation.
- The platforms' calculation: OTAs (such as Ctrip, Fliggy, etc.) take 12%-15% of each transaction, plus additional fees for promotion and ranking.
- The suppliers' dilemma: Travel agencies (customization companies) need to make a profit to stay competitive on these platforms, so they have to charge significantly more to cover their costs.
- The reality of the market: Tourism prices are highly transparent. The gross profit from regular tours is around 10%, and during negotiations, it can drop to 5%-8%.
The result is a 20% gap between the desired 30% profit and the actual 10% profit. To fill this gap, suppliers overcharge or exploit the drivers.
2. Why do drivers charge extra fees on the road?
— The Drivers' Survival Crisis and Deceptive Practices
People often criticize drivers for their poor service, but they're also victims of the system.
- Price Inversion: The platforms set the price at 700 yuan per day, but drivers only get around 200-300 yuan. For long trips in Xinjiang and Inner Mongolia, the additional costs (fuel, maintenance, etc.) mean drivers are actually losing money.
- Drivers' Desperate Measures: To make up for their losses, drivers resort to deceptive tactics like offering free food, gifts, or providing emotional value to gain the tourists' trust. Once the tourists relax, they're more likely to accept expensive recommendations or additional services.
In essence, the drivers are using these tactics to compensate for the high commissions taken by the platforms.
3. Could the 7-seater van you're on be an "illegal vehicle?"
— The Big Compliance Gap
This is the most concerning aspect of the article: The "private tours" you pay for might actually be operated by illegal vehicles.
- Misconception: Many people think that if a vehicle is registered with the transportation department as a "micro-vehicle for rental," it can be used for tours.
- Legal Reality: The law only allows the driver to drive the vehicle themselves; if a driver is also carrying passengers, they need a "road transport license."
- Current Situation: 98%-99% of vehicles used for tours don't have the necessary licenses. Only a few older vehicles have licenses, and most are privately owned or operating on the edge of the law.
- Risks: If an accident occurs, insurance will likely refuse to pay, and the drivers and travel agencies could face significant losses or even be sued for compensation.
4. What about drivers who also act as guides?
— The Legal Pitfall of "Driver-Guides"
It's common for drivers to also provide guided tours, but this is illegal.
- Legal Requirements: Providers must have guide licenses to offer guided services.
- Reality: Most drivers don't have these licenses, which constitutes false advertising and illegal operations. Tourists can claim compensation based on the Tourism Law.
The industry is currently operating in a state of ignorance, but once exposed by the media or with a large number of complaints, the problems will be exposed.
5. How to solve these issues?
— A Solution That Goes Beyond Bans
The article suggests several solutions to make the industry more legitimate:
1. Establish a vehicle verification system: OTAs should verify the qualifications, insurance, and background of vehicles and drivers.
2. Restructure profit distribution: OTAs should share some of the commission with travel agencies that provide quality services.
3. Set clear service fees: Charge a reasonable service fee for the work done by travel agencies, and reduce the platforms' commissions.
4. Regulate the supply of services: OTAs should regulate restaurants, guides, and other services to ensure transparency and quality.
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💡 Tips for Tourists to Avoid Problems
Although this article is aimed at the industry, as consumers, you can use the following advice:
1. Be wary of low prices with high claims of luxury; they're likely to be misleading.
2. Verify the vehicle's license and the driver's qualifications before booking.
3. Read the contract carefully for details about the hotel, vehicle type, and services provided.
4. Keep records of any extra fees or forced purchases, as they can be used for compensation.
In summary, customized tours can be great, but they're currently affected by unfair practices and illegal operations. Only by changing the industry's rules can we move from a shady existence to a more legitimate and reliable model.