An undated photo shows tourists in front of the Palace Museum in Beijing. [Photo: Xinhua]

With the May Day holiday coming, China National Tourism Administration is cracking down on tour operators that force consumers to make purchases during tours.

China National Tourism Administration announced on Tuesday that every department should cooperate to investigate and punish travel agencies that offer tours at unreasonably low prices, but make a commission from stores where they force clients to shop.

CNTA also says every department should have an emergency plan for bad weather and heavy crowds in tourist areas. All transportation hubs, accommodations, dining areas, and entertainment venues are to be inspected for safety before and during the holiday, according to the announcement.

CNTA says it will make sure that public complaint platforms are running properly. Tourists can dial 12301 to make formal complaints. Also, travel agencies and tour guides should persuade tourists to behave during travel.

Also, transportation authorities will be checking buses, trucks and cars. Drivers caught with overloaded vehicles, or driving in emergency lanes, will be punished. In extreme cases, person could be handed a lifetime driving ban. Police will also be looking for illegal transportation companies. In rural areas, officials will try to persuade villagers not to transport people using tractors, and police will be cracking down on impaired driving.