Judges in Beijing have emphasized the critical role of safety measures in tourist areas and urged travelers to be more aware of potential risks to safeguard their personal rights and interests.

At a press conference on Friday, Xue Qiang, vice-president of the Beijing No 3 Intermediate People's Court, revealed that from 2021 to 2025, the court handled 335 tourism-related disputes, with 51 cases involving torts, such as scenic areas' failure to fulfill safety obligations, leading to visitors' personal injury.

He noted that tourism plays a dual role: It is a significant driver of domestic demand and economic growth, and it fulfills the public's aspiration for a higher quality of life.

However, he cautioned that accidents like falls, cuts and slips often occur at tourist sites due to equipment failures, poor management, inadequate emergency responses and substandard service operations. "These incidents are more frequent during peak seasons and in high-risk activities such as high-altitude rides, water sports and hiking," he specified.

He explained that determining an operator's liability in these disputes hinges on several factors: the presence of warning signs, regular maintenance and inspection of facilities, implementation of safety measures, monitoring of hazardous areas, and whether visitors were adequately informed of potential risks.

In essence, resolving these disputes centers on whether tourist attraction operators have fulfilled their duty to ensure visitor safety, he said, adding that with the rise of adventurous activities like skydiving and extreme rafting, there is an increased risk of personal injuries, highlighting the need for operators to bolster safety protocols at entertainment venues and tourist sites.

Huang Haitao, chief judge of the court's case filing division, urged consumers to heighten their awareness of safety risks, particularly vulnerable groups like the elderly and young people.

He emphasized that older adults, minors and other special groups face unique challenges when traveling, such as physical limitations, cognitive judgment issues and difficulties in protecting their rights. "They should choose travel plans and activities that align with their health conditions and be cautious about engaging in high-risk activities," he said.

He also advised that family members help review contracts and promotional materials, select reputable travel agencies, and ensure that specific needs regarding diet, accommodation and other preferences are clearly outlined in the contract.