In order to prepare for a sound travel market environment for the upcoming of May 1 holiday, Hainan's provincial authorities have recently strengthened management within the island's travel industry.

Eight travel agencies have been banned from the market for not holding an adequate license, and 66 illegal tour guides have been punished. The travel agencies who employed the illegal tour guides have each been fined between RMB5,000 and RMB20,000.

The names of the banned travel agencies have not been publicly released.

Hainan is a popular destination for both Chinese and foreigners during the May 1 holiday period, and the authorities hope to decrease the number of consumer complaints aimed at the illegal practices of some within the travel industry.