A safety reminder issued by Chinese Consulate-General in Melbourne Photo: screenshot from the Chinese Consulate-General in Melbourne's WeChat account

The Chinese consulate-general in Melbourne, Australia, reminded Chinese tourists in a statement to heighten their awareness of safety overseas on Sunday, citing a recent hiking-related incident in Tasmania, within its consular district, that led to a tragic death of a Chinese tourist.

A Chinese tourist traveling in Tasmania, which falls under the jurisdiction of our consulate, unfortunately lost life in an accident when the tourist was suddenly hit by extreme weather and lacked necessary survival equipment. The consulate expressed deep sorrow over the tourist's death. At present, the consulate is coordinating with relevant parties to handle the follow-up matters, according to a statement on the consulate-general's official WeChat account on Sunday.

The consulate stated that with the "double" festivals - National Day holidays and Mid-Autumn Festival holidays - approaching, the number of Chinese tourists visiting the region is surging. The consulate general reminded that tourists should "prudently plan and choose tourist activities that suit personal conditions to avoid unnecessary safety risks and tragedies," per the statement.

In regard to climbing and hiking, the statement said there are many trails in the national parks of Victoria and Tasmania, and some routes are remote and treacherous, and the climate in mountainous areas is highly unpredictable. Tourists are advised to choose cautiously and act in accordance with their capabilities. 

If participation in such activities is necessary, individuals should receive trainings and protection from professionals as required, wear warm and waterproof clothing to prevent hypothermia, and carry professional safety equipment such as Personal Locator Beacons (PLBs), ensure mobile phones are fully charged, and carry sufficient portable power banks, according to the safety notice. 

The consulate suggested individuals immediately abort their trips or change their plans when confronted with severe weathers or excessively challenging routes, avoiding unnecessary risks. 

Regarding other high-risk tourism activities, such as those of high-altitude, high-speed, water-related, and adventure activities with high safety risks, the consulate notice said that tourists, when participate in rock fishing, surfing, snorkeling, scuba diving, offshore tours, paragliding, and hot air ballooning, should fully assess their own physical strength and the safety conditions of the activity. 

Tourists should learn and master emergency response methods in advance, and must not blindly follow the trends. They should consider purchasing necessary specialized insurance, read the notice.

Global Times