BEIJING - Chinese lawmakers on Monday started the first round of deliberations on a draft law on tourism that aims to promote the development of the country's booming travel industry.

The draft includes operating standards for travel-related businesses and scenic areas, as well as a clause prohibiting travel agencies from forcing tourists to purchase goods.

It says fees for tour guide services must be clearly listed in travel contracts and travel agencies may not charge tourists for any expenses not included in such contracts.

The long-awaited tourism draft law was tabled for discussion for the first time at the bimonthly session of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC), scheduled from August 27 to 31.

"A tourism law is urgently needed for regulating the tourism market and fostering its healthy and sustainable development," said Yin Zhongqing, a senior legislator, while explaining the draft at the meeting Monday.

Unfair competition remains a "relatively severe" challenge for China's travel sector, Yin said, "especially the rampant practice of 'zero- or negative-fare tours,' which undermine the legitimate interests of tourists and businesses."

"Zero- or negative-fare tours" usually refers to tour services sold by travel agents at or below cost in order to attract travelers, who are later forced to purchase goods or pay tips during the tour.

The draft explanation says China aims to improve the quality of its travel services, create a smooth path for the travel sector's development and turn the sector into a pillar of economic growth.

China's domestic travel market is the world's largest. The country ranks third globally in terms of tourists received from overseas.

The country has no specific law concerning tourism, but does have some administrative rules concerning travel agencies and tour guides.