Core Viewpoint - The Ministry of Culture and Tourism, along with the State Administration for Market Regulation, has announced the implementation of the 2026 version of the team tourism contract (model text), which will be enforced nationwide starting March 31, 2026, to enhance tourism service quality and protect the rights of tourists and travel agencies [1][2]. Group 1: Contract Details - The 2026 version includes six model texts: "Team Domestic Tourism Contract," "Team Outbound Tourism Contract," "Mainland Residents Traveling to Taiwan Contract," "Domestic One-Day Tour Contract," "Domestic Travel Agency and Local Reception Agency Contract," and "Study Tour Contract" [1]. - The revisions focus on strengthening safety guarantees for travel agencies, clarifying rules for shopping activities and additional paid tourism projects, improving the protection of tourists' rights, enhancing personal information protection, and regulating study tour activities organized by travel agencies [1][2]. Group 2: Background and Rationale - The previous model texts were issued by the former National Tourism Administration and the former State Administration for Industry and Commerce between 2013 and 2014, which have become outdated due to rapid market developments [2]. - Changes in tourist travel demands and consumption habits have led to new requirements for the standardization and clarity of tourism contracts, emphasizing safety and service quality [2]. - The revision incorporates practical experiences from the use of team tourism contracts and has gathered opinions from various stakeholders, including consumer protection associations, travel agencies, and legal experts [2].

Core Viewpoint - The Ministry of Culture and Tourism, in collaboration with the State Administration for Market Regulation, has released the 2026 version of the team tourism contract (model text) to enhance tourism market order, improve service quality, and protect the rights of tourists and travel agencies, effective from March 31, 2026 [1][2] Group 1: Contract Details - The 2026 version includes six model texts: "Team Domestic Tourism Contract," "Team Outbound Tourism Contract," "Mainland Residents Traveling to Taiwan Contract," "Domestic One-Day Tour Contract," "Domestic Travel Agency and Ground Service Agency Contract," and "Research Tourism Contract" [1] - The revisions focus on strengthening safety guarantees for travel agencies, clarifying rules for shopping activities and additional paid tourism projects, enhancing the protection of tourists' rights, improving personal information protection, and regulating research tourism activities conducted by travel agencies [1] Group 2: Revision Process - The revision process incorporated practical experiences from the use of team tourism contracts and widely gathered opinions from consumer rights protection associations, the China Travel Service Association, travel agency enterprises, local cultural and tourism administrative departments, and experts in the tourism and legal fields [2] - The existing five team tourism contracts were revised, and a new "Research Tourism Contract" was added to the model texts [2]

Summary of Key Points Core Viewpoint The Ministry of Culture and Tourism, in collaboration with the State Administration for Market Regulation, has revised the existing team tourism contract template to create the 2026 version, addressing the evolving needs of the tourism market and ensuring compliance with current laws and regulations. Group 1: Background of the Revision - The tourism industry in China has rapidly developed since the 18th National Congress, becoming a strategic pillar and a significant sector for public welfare [1] - The existing contract template, established in 2013-2014, is no longer adequate due to changes in consumer demands and safety concerns [1] - The revision is necessary to align with updates in the Tourism Law and the Civil Code, as well as to accommodate new tourism formats like study tours [1] Group 2: Basis for Revision - The revision is based on several laws including the Tourism Law, Civil Code, Consumer Rights Protection Law, and Personal Information Protection Law, ensuring alignment with various regulations [2] Group 3: Main Content of the Revision - The 2026 version includes six templates: domestic team tourism, outbound tourism, tourism for mainland residents to Taiwan, one-day tours, contracts between tour operators and local agencies, and study tourism contracts [3] - Key revisions focus on clarifying rights and obligations, ensuring legal protections, regulating market order, and reducing disputes [3] Group 4: Specific Revisions - **Safety Assurance**: Travel agencies must inform tourists of safety precautions and ensure that products and services meet safety standards [3] - **Shopping and Optional Activities**: Contracts must specify shopping activities and optional paid projects, with penalties for unauthorized additions [4] - **Tourist Rights Protection**: Tourists can claim rights from third parties under certain conditions, and the cost deduction for contract termination must not exceed specified limits [4] - **Personal Information Protection**: Travel agencies are restricted from processing tourists' personal information without consent, with clear responsibilities for data breaches [5] - **Regulation of Study Tourism**: A new template for study tourism contracts has been introduced to standardize arrangements and services [6] - **Structural Improvements**: The contract structure has been refined for clarity, with unnecessary legal jargon removed and detailed information moved to appendices [6]