Shanghai's lawmakers will start discussing the legislation of the city's first tourism law on October 8, the Standing Committee of Shanghai People's Congress announced Thursday.

The law, which is expected to be passed by the end of this year, will not only be devoted to regulating the local tourism market but to promoting the future development of the industry. The draft law released yesterday stated that any travel agencies tempting consumers to either buy extra merchandise or pay tips will face a fine of up to 30,000 yuan (US$3,614).

(eastday.com September 12, 2003)