After professional recommendation and experts review, the new list of quality shopping stores is unveiled recently by QSC Program. These certified quality stores come from Malaysia, Singapore, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy and other countries. The list covers many famous international brands such as Montblanc, Guerlain, Cartier, Tiffany, Vertu, Harrods, Bulgari, Jimmy Choo, Ernest Jones, Hilton Shopping Gallery, Tumasek Pewter etc.

In recent years, Chinese outbound tourism has grown rapidly. But service quality, including problems in outbound shopping, is still the prominent issue. Compulsory purchasing, price gouging exist in many extremely low-fare tour groups (known in China as "Zero-fee" or "Minus-fee" tour). Tempted by high rebate, some travel agencies always arrange many shopping itineraries in low quality shopping stores, which may not be legally operating and cannot guarantee the quality of goods. Conflicts between tour guides and tourists happen now and then, which bring many negative impacts to outbound tourism market. In regarding of this, China National Tourism Administration (CNTA) issued and implemented the “Program for Quality Upgrading of Tourism Service 2009-2015”; China Association of Travel Services (CATS) launched “China Outbound Tourism Quality Service Certification” Program (QSC Program) to evaluate outbound tourism suppliers in terms of service quality, security, business integrity and other aspects.

Applicants to QSC Program, including shopping stores, will be evaluated through strict standard, rules and procedure. An authorized recommendation letter is also required, from destination tourism organizations, industrial associations or other professional organizations. The certified shopping stores will be issued QSC Label and certificate, and be recommended to Chinese outbound travelers and travel agencies.

First basic requirement for shopping stores to acquire QSC Label is to operate honestly. QSC Label can increase the confidence and trust of Chinese tourists, and can reduce the possibilities of being cheated. In case a certified store discriminate or cheat Chinese tourists, its quality certification will be canceled.

Certified shopping stores are evaluated through professional assessment. They commit to provide quality service, never sell counterfeit and inferior goods, and have no price gouging behavior or discrimination on Chinese travelers. By knowing a selection of outbound shopping stores that have quality guarantees, Chinese outbound travelers can now have more choices and can better enjoy their shopping arrangements.

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