Core Viewpoint - The rising popularity of research-based travel (研学游) is accompanied by significant issues such as inflated prices, misleading offerings, and a lack of educational content, leading to widespread parental dissatisfaction [1][2][3]. Group 1: Market Issues - Many parents report that the actual experiences of research-based travel do not match the promotional content, resulting in complaints and even injuries during trips [2][3]. - The market is characterized by a wide range of pricing for similar offerings, with some products costing from hundreds to thousands of yuan, leading to confusion and disappointment among parents [3][4]. - There is a notable absence of standardized pricing and quality assurance in the research-based travel sector, which has led to a proliferation of subpar offerings disguised as educational experiences [3][4]. Group 2: Regulatory Environment - The growth of research-based travel has been supported by government policies, including guidelines issued by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism aimed at standardizing the industry [4][5]. - Many organizations offering research-based travel lack the necessary travel agency qualifications, contributing to issues of false advertising and market chaos [5][6]. - The introduction of the "Research Travel Guide" profession aims to clarify the qualifications needed for professionals in this field, but standards and training programs remain inconsistent [5][6]. Group 3: Safety and Quality Assurance - Parents are advised to verify the qualifications of travel agencies before enrolling their children in research-based travel programs, utilizing platforms that provide information on agency credentials [6][7]. - The Ministry of Culture and Tourism has initiated pilot programs to enhance the quality of research-based travel bases in several provinces, which may improve overall service standards [7][8]. - It is recommended that parents ensure clear contracts are signed with travel organizations to protect their rights and responsibilities during the trips [7][8].

Core Insights - The popularity of study tours has surged, attracting many parents to enroll their children in various programs, but the market is plagued by safety incidents and issues such as inflated prices and lack of educational content [2][3][4] Market Issues - Many study tour programs do not meet the advertised standards, leading to dissatisfaction among parents. For instance, a parent reported that a program promised access to prestigious universities but only allowed a visit to one campus and required additional fees for a guide [3][4] - The pricing of study tours varies significantly, with some programs costing from hundreds to thousands of yuan, often without clear standards or transparency [5] - There is a prevalence of ordinary tourism products masquerading as study tours, which diminishes the educational value and turns them into mere sightseeing experiences [4][5] Industry Standards and Regulations - The rise of study tours has been supported by government policies, with recent guidelines issued by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism to regulate the industry [6] - Many organizations offering study tours lack the necessary travel agency qualifications, leading to misleading advertising and market confusion [6][7] - The profession of study tour guide is being formalized, but there is currently no unified standard for training or certification, resulting in a proliferation of questionable training programs [7] Safety and Quality Assurance - Parents are advised to verify the qualifications of travel agencies before enrolling their children in study tours, ensuring they have valid licenses and insurance [8][9] - The Ministry of Culture and Tourism has initiated pilot programs to enhance the quality of study tour bases, with several provinces selected for this initiative [9] - It is recommended that parents sign clear contracts with study tour providers to protect their rights and responsibilities [9][10]