A tour bus driver in Singapore has come under fire after forcibly ejecting a group of Chinese tourists who declined to purchase additional souvenirs. The incident, which occurred on August 16, was captured on video and shared by one of the tourists, quickly gaining attention online.
According to a report by Singaporean newspaper Shin Min Daily, the group had booked a tour through a Chinese company, which had subcontracted their travel arrangements to a local agency in Singapore. Upon arrival, the tourists found themselves sharing a bus with another group and were subjected to aggressive sales tactics by the bus driver, who works for the local tourism company.
The situation escalated when the driver became visibly upset, believing the tourists were not buying enough souvenirs such as keychains and perfume. Tensions peaked when one of the tourists requested to retrieve her blood pressure medication from the bus after lunch, only to be met with the driver’s harsh refusal, reportedly saying, “Nothing for Chinese who do not spend money.” The driver then abruptly shut the bus door before a passenger could fully board, leading the group to demand an apology.
Instead of apologizing, the driver ordered the tourists to leave the bus, stranding them on a busy street along Race Course Road. The stranded group was later invited back into the restaurant where they had just eaten, where staff offered them complimentary drinks and ice creams. Another bus eventually arrived to pick them up.
A fellow bus driver, claiming to be a colleague of the one involved in the incident, spoke to Shin Min Daily and admitted that selling small, affordable goods to tourists is a common practice. He asked for understanding, citing the heavy workload and lack of tips that drivers often face. However, he also acknowledged that while selling is allowed, it should never be forced.
The incident has sparked widespread criticism online, with many people in Singapore condemning the driver’s actions. “The driver’s behavior should not be allowed in a country where tourism is an important industry,” one commenter noted on Facebook.
The Singapore travel agency involved has declined to comment on whether the bus driver would face disciplinary action. Meanwhile, the group of Chinese tourists has reportedly filed a complaint with the Chinese Embassy in Singapore.
This incident echoes similar cases of inappropriate and aggressive behavior by tour guides and bus drivers in China, where forced shopping has led to fines and the loss of licenses for some involved in such practices. The situation underscores ongoing concerns about unethical behavior in the tourism industry, particularly in relation to forced selling tactics.
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