The China National Tourism Administration (CNTA) has released a circular notifying 74 travel agencies in China, including six in Beijing, to pay their travel quality deposits on time.

The travel quality deposit in China refers to a special fee paid by travel agencies and managed by the CNTA to guarantee the interests and rights of the tourists. CNTA collects from travel agencies RMB300,000-600,000 for inbound travel, RMB100,000 for domestic travel, and as much as RMB1 million for outbound travel.

CNTA says that of the 74 travel agencies that have not paid the full amount of the quality deposit, 16 are travel group organizers and 58 are engaged in international travel service.

CNTA requires these travel agencies to pay the money before February 28, 2006, otherwise they will be punished according to relevant rules. The punishments range from having their inspection licenses downgraded to having their licenses revoked.

The six travel agencies that owe the deposit in Beijing are Beijing Zhonghui International Travel Service, Beijing Lan Tian International Travel Agency, Beijing Huadu Travel Service Company, China Guangda Travel Company, Zhong Huan International Travel Agency and Lianhe International Travel Agency.