HK, Shenzhen to combat travel agencies' malpractice
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Hong Kong and Shenzhen tourist authorities will strengthen their cooperation to combat inbound travel agencies' malpractice, Hong Kong's Commissioner for Tourism Philip Yung said on Saturday.
Speaking on a radio talk show, Yung said short-term improvement measures will be implemented to maintain Hong Kong tourism's reputation, following a growing number of complaints from Chinese mainland tourists recently and a mainlander's death in late May.
He expressed regret over the death of the mainland tourist who allegedly quarreled with an unlicensed tour guide over forced shopping on May 22.
Yung said the Shenzhen tourist authorities have agreed to pass packaged tours' information to Hong Kong to facilitate the Travel Industry Council of Hong Kong's early supervision.
The authorities will also consider sending undercover officers to conduct checks on inbound travel agencies, he added.
Noting the incident was unacceptable, he said Hong Kong Police and the Travel Industry Council of Hong Kong are investigating the case and will impose tough penalties if investigations uncover illegal acts.
The incident showed that there is room for improvement in the arrangement of shopping itineraries and the authentication of tour guides' identity and qualifications, he said.
The local government will also formulate medium and long-term regulatory measures to ensure the trade's healthy development in the city, known as "shopping heaven" to most of mainland travelers.
To enhance Hong Kong tourism's long-term competitiveness, the council will also put more effort into upgrading the trade's services quality and staff training.
The 65-year old mainland visitor, from China's Hunan province, was reportedly dissatisfied with the attitude of the guide while shopping at a registered shop. He felt unwell later and was taken to hospital, where he was certified dead. His wife filed a complaint with the Travel Industry Council (TIC) of Hong Kong later.
Some tour operators arrange trips to Hong Kong for mainland tourists at unreasonably low price but force them to shop for commission, industry insider said.
Following the case, the Travel Industry Council was prompted to tighten its rules on tour guides. The Hong Kong Tourism Board also urged mainland visitors to use quality operators.
The council received 173 complaints from mainland tourists between January and May 15 this year, rising nearly 65 percent over the same period last year. Most of the complaints were related to shopping activities, particularly over forced shopping disputes. The figures also hiked to 313 complaints in 2009 from 164 in 2008, up about 90 percent.
The council vowed this week to carry out more spot checks at registered shops, and the inspectors should stay in the shops for at least 30 minutes to observe whether the visitors can freely enter or leave the shops.
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