An undercover investigation into a cut-price 380 yuan five-day, four-night tour of Hong Kong, Zhuhai and Macao has revealed alleged forced shopping and relentless product pushing, prompting an investigation by Shenzhen authorities.
Journalists from Jimu News posed as tourists on the March 8-12 tour offered by Yantian branch of Shenzhen Hengsheng International Travel Agency. The tour, which attracted mainly elderly participants, spent most of its time in shopping outlets. Security guards at one store reportedly prevented tourists from leaving until the guide permitted it.
Elderly travelers purchased thousands of yuan worth of medicine under apparent pressure. Three middle-aged companions spent about 10,000 yuan in a single day across various shops.
One guide angrily addressed tourists on the bus when spending fell short of expectations, threatening to continue visiting shops until customer purchases satisfied cooperating merchants. When two elderly participants who had each paid over 1,000 yuan requested a sightseeing-focused trip without shopping, the guide allegedly threatened that they might not get meals if they did not comply.
The Yantian district culture and tourism bureau confirmed on March 16 that officials have visited the company and initiated mediation and after-sales procedures.
