Surge in Online Culture and Tourism Disputes Recorded by Beijing Internet Court

The Beijing Internet Court has noted a significant rise in disputes related to online culture and tourism consumption in recent years. Official data revealed that the number of such cases jumped dramatically from 135 in 2022 to 813 in the previous year, with over 90 percent of these lawsuits stemming from issues arising during online information inquiries, bookings, and after-sales services.

Experts attribute this surge to the swift expansion of China's culture and tourism market, coupled with an increasing number of consumers using online services, as highlighted by Sun Mingxi, a senior judge at the court. During the last Spring Festival holiday, data from the Ministry of Culture and Tourism indicated that there were 474 million domestic trips, generating an impressive 630 billion yuan (approximately $86.5 billion) in revenue for the local culture and tourism sector.

Sun Mingxi noted that as more consumers utilize online platforms for service information and product selection, they benefit from the convenience and diverse options available. However, this shift has simultaneously led to a rise in complaints and disputes with service providers and online platforms. Instances have arisen where customers found discrepancies between the services offered online and the actual provisions, with cases of perceived fraudulent pricing as well.

A notable instance involved a consumer named Wang, who contested an internet platform after discovering that the flight ticket price he paid was higher than the official airline rate. He asserted that the platform misled him, seeking a refund and compensation. Upon investigation, it was revealed that the platform had bundled the flight with additional services without proper disclosure, resulting in a higher than expected cost for Wang.

The court ruled in favor of Wang, deeming the platform's actions as fraudulent, compelling it to refund the ticket cost and provide compensatory damages. Another judge, Zhang Qian, pointed out that some online platforms take advantage of their technological leverage to create misleading discounts, infringing on consumer rights.

The judges emphasized the necessity for transparency and consumer protection within the digital marketplace. They reiterated that Chinese law mandates internet platforms to clearly communicate any added charges and the total costs involved in online transactions. Consumers are encouraged to approach online service purchases with caution, ensuring they maintain evidence of their transactions, while platforms are urged to improve their oversight of information and refine their dispute resolution mechanisms.

Additionally, service providers in the culture and tourism sector must accurately and transparently disclose all service information, including conditions under which services could be unavailable and the process for obtaining refunds. The judges insisted on the prohibition of misleading content that could deceive consumers.