Controversies

Jiuzhaigou Apologizes, Refunds After National Day Tourist Stranding; ‘Deadline Refund’ Labeled Unfair Clause

On October 2, 2013, the Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area was severely overcrowded; some tourists stopped sightseeing buses, causing traffic paralysis, and a large number of tourists were stranded for several hours. The scenic area management publicly apologized and gave full refunds to tourists who had not completed their visits, with more than 3.7 million yuan in ticket refunds already returned; however, it set the refund deadline at 18:00 on October 3, making it impossible for tourists who had already left to apply later, which was criticized as an “unfair clause,” and experts called for a ticket reservation system. Note: The event entity is the Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area operating management. Progress: company response. Entity: Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area Administration. Scope: scenic area operations and management.