Tourism officials in Yunnan province have ordered a travel agency to suspend its operations after a tour guide was videotaped verbally abusing visitors on a bus.
Â
The guide, Chen Chunyan, was angry because she had failed to persuade them to spend freely at scenic spots.
Â
The Yunnan Provincial Commission of Tourism Development said in a statement on Sunday that the authority has revoked Chen's license. The video, shot as the tour bus headed toward the Xishuangbanna Dai autonomous prefecture, has been widely circulated on social media.
Â
The company involved, the Kunming Fenghua Travel Agency, was fined 20,000 CNY (3,200 USD), and is suspected of committing further violations.
Â
An investigation found that the incident took place on April 12, said Liu Kunfeng, head of the commission's law enforcement team. The visitors were on a package tour that included stops in four cities.
Â
The China National Tourism Administration released a statement on Saturday urging the Yunnan authorities to launch an investigation as soon as possible.
Â
The law bans agencies from attracting tourists with low prices and then arranging for them to buy goods at scenic spots to earn commission. Agencies are not allowed to designate specific shops where tourists should buy souvenirs, or arrange additional chargeable items during tours.Â