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Travel agencies suspend group trips to Xinjiang

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2009-07-09 11:05

GUANGZHOU: Many tourist agencies are calling off group trip arrangements to Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region following the recent deadly riots in Urumqi, the regional capital.

Related readings:  Journalists welcomed in Urumqi  Tension remains in Urumqi after riots killed 156  Countries support China to quell riot  Unrest wreaks havoc on region's tourism industry  Xinjiang: A history of intertwined ethnic ties  Supporters of Xinjiang separatists demonstrate in Washington  World condemns violence in Xinjiang  Overseas Chinese condemn violence in Xinjiang

"We hope traveling can resume by July 20, but it depends on the status in Xinjiang," said Tang Qiting, deputy manager of marketing with Guangzhilu International Travel Service in Guangzhou, capital of southern Guangdong Province.

The company has suspended organizing travels to Xinjiang. Those who had registered for a trip before the suspension may either get a refund or visit places outside Xinjiang under the company's arrangement.

"This may affect more than 600 people," said Tang.

Zeng Yi, manager of marketing and media with another tourist agency, Nanhu (south lake), said more than 200 tourists were still traveling in some famous scenic spots in Xinjiang, but outside Urumqi.

"It is safe there. We have canceled traditional visiting and shopping excursions to Urumqi and the tourists will directly go to the airport after finishing the trip," he said.

An unnamed manager with the China International Travel Service in Beijing said their only tourist group in Xinjiang was coming back before finishing the scheduled trip.

"The group was not in Urumqi when the violence broke out Sunday and the tourists are safe," the manager said.

"We are returning fees to registered travelers and helping many others change routes," he said.