Tourism authority demands tougher precaution measures after fatal Shanghai stampede

China's top tourism authority made an urgent call on Thursday to beef up precautionary measures against surging tourist numbers during holidays after a fatal Shanghai stampede killing 36 during New Year celebrations late Wednesday.

The National Tourism Administration (NTA) asked local tourism authorities to strengthen security measures, improve emergency response plans, and take strict measures to control tourist flows at scenic spots.

It also required local scenic spots and travel agencies to issue tourist flow information timely to tourists.

Under China's Tourism Law, scenic spots are obliged to inform tourists and report to the local government when tourist numbers could potentially exceed their maximum reception capabilities, so that measures could be taken to timely divert tourists in order to insure security.

The Chinese have a three-day holiday for the New Year's Day.

Shanghai New Year stampede kills 36

The tragedy happened at a crowded square in Shanghai's gleaming Bund area at around 11:35 p.m. There were 25 women among the deceased whose ages ranged from 16 to 36, said the authorities of Shanghai.