The residents range in age from 23 to 60 and come from all walks of life, including lawyers, teachers, civil servants, and members of the city government, according to the Shanghai Commission of Consumers' Rights and Interests Protection.

    The commission trained the undercover inspectors in relevant laws and regulations yesterday so they can better spot illegal, or irregular practices.

    The inspectors will book tours with the agencies in teams of two to three people.

    They have to sign contracts with the travel agencies for future evidence.

    The fees for the package tour service will be covered by the commission.

    "It's to enhance legal awareness through wide social involvement, which will also improve the travel agencies' service," the commission said in a statement released yesterday.

    The inspectors will start booking trips today in different groups.

    The inspections are scheduled to wrap up by August to prepare for a report that will be published in September.

    Complaints about travel services have been on the rise in recent years, with many travelers saying the trips they took didn't live up to promises made by agencies.

    Customers complained of price gouging and inferior standards, the commission said.

    (Source: Shanghai Daily)