China is maintaining the suspension of outbound group tours and inbound tourism due to the high risk of a resurgence of coronavirus infections this winter.
A notice issued by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism on Wednesday said the government will tighten control and prevention measures against COVID-19 cases, which may rebound in colder weather.
It said operators of travel agencies must normalize control and prevention measures, and they cannot offer services to nonresident foreigners. Outbound group tours are also forbidden.
The ministry stressed that when people with suspected symptoms are discovered at tourist sites and facilities, local tourism operators and officials should send them to quarantine as soon as possible to prevent any potential spread of the virus.
The ministry said that tourism bureaus and companies are required to share instructions on coronavirus prevention with the public through broadcasts, websites and notice boards to better enhance awareness of self protection. They are also urged to offer training in maintenance of personal safety during domestic trips to their own staff members and other workers in the industry.