Tourists must learn to say no when necessary

Gong Jian, vice-dean of Wuhan branch of China Tourism Academy

Since the incident happened in Thai territory, the Thai officials have to own the responsibility for it. Despite that, Chinese tourists should pay greater attention to safety and security when traveling abroad, because sometimes it could be riskier than traveling within the country.

And even if many media reports about "zero-price traveling groups" are not true, tourists should avoid traveling in such groups to ensure their safety and security. More often than not, "zero-price" often means the travel agency will not take many necessary safety measures to lower the cost.

Besides, before traveling overseas, it is necessary to sign clear, unambiguous contracts with the travel agency and buy reliable travel insurance, so as to avoid legal disputes later. There have been cases in which the travel agencies did not fulfill their promises, but the tourists had little evidence to sue them in court because the contracts they had signed were unclear. When it comes to risks, these contracts and insurance certificates become very important.

More importantly, tourists should learn to say "no" when necessary for their own safety and security, and collect all the necessary information－about the weather and other risks for instance－before traveling to a foreign country. And even if the travel guides insist on sailing out to the sea after a weather warning, as in the case of the Phuket tragedy, tourists should refuse to board a ship or ferry, even call the police.

Although guaranteeing the safety and security of tourists is the responsibility of the local authorities and the concerned travel agency, tourists can avoid dangers by saying "no" when they feel something could go wrong.