"The management will help tourist agencies restrict and supervise tourist guides," said Mr. Tan, the manager of tourist guide department of China Youth Travel Services.

Certificates made of integrated circuit (IC) cards must be worn by guides while on duty that record information such as rank -- divided into junior, mid-level, senior and special-grade -- and any demerits under a ten-point system. Guides who accrue 10 points will have to receive special training before they can go back on duty.

The standards are strict. For instance, tourist guides found luring tourists to look for prostitutes, gambling houses or narcotics will receive 10 demerits. Those who mingle any crude, indelicate or superstitious activities into their services will receive 8 demerits. Those who peddle goods or extort tips, 6 demerits. Tourist guides also must wear their IC cards on duty and be careful about such matters as smoking during their work to avoid being penalized.

Regional tourist administrations will supervise the new system. Tourist complaints, once verified, can also be cause for demerits.

(china.org.cn April 4, 2002)