500 million people with limited mobility, elderly tourists, pregnant women and infants — new standards take everyone into account

As reported by CCTV+, China’s National Standardisation Administration has issued new national standards aimed at improving service quality and accessibility in the tourism industry.

The standards cover travel agency services for the elderly, barrier‑free hotel services, intelligent management of tourist attractions and service quality in shopping centres. They are designed to meet the diverse needs of all travellers — the elderly, people with disabilities, pregnant women and infants.

The new standards for senior tourism emphasise safety, comfort and convenience. The focus is on elderly‑friendly integrated design that takes into account their health, slow pace, sufficient rest and individual itineraries. Medical examinations should not become a barrier to participation.

China has about 500 million people with limited mobility. The new standards will benefit this group by addressing common problems such as poor accessibility, hard‑to‑reach facilities and lack of accessible information.

When it comes to shopping — a top priority for many tourists — the updated standards require that all goods have full verifiable certificates, prices are clearly marked, and counterfeit or imitation brand products are strictly prohibited.

For intelligent management systems, the new standards require tourist facilities to strengthen risk early warning measures and ensure the security of data related to visitor information and payments.

China has about 500 million people with limited mobility. The new standards make tourism accessible for those who previously faced insurmountable barriers.

Chinese tourism is becoming not just massive. It is becoming humane. Five hundred million people with limited mobility, millions of elderly, pregnant women, families with pushchairs — now all of these are not exceptions but the norm. Hotels, shops and attractions must be convenient. Counterfeits are banned, prices are transparent, data is protected. It may seem like just standards. But in fact, it is respect. The question is not how many tourists will come. The question is how many of them will be able to travel comfortably. China’s answer: everyone.