Immigrate to Hong Kong Focus on Hong Kong Immigrant Life: Recently, the Hong Kong government has provided a clear response and implemented targeted measures to regulate the tourism market and combat illegal "tourist exploitation." Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development Gregory So Kam-leung announced six measures aimed at strengthening the regulation of inbound tour groups from the Mainland and reducing the adverse consequences arising from "zero-fare tours."
First, Hong Kong Customs will strengthen enforcement and inspections of designated shopping outlets and distribute leaflets on consumer protection to tourists.
Second, combat "shadow tour members." When Hong Kong receiving agencies register inbound Mainland tour groups with the Travel Industry Council (TIC), they must provide a team list in advance, including the names of tour leaders, for random checks by the TIC. If it is discovered that the names of Mainland tourists appear repeatedly in different tour groups within a short period, the TIC will have reason to suspect they are "shadow tour members" used to force tourists to shop, and will notify Mainland tourism authorities for follow-up action.
Third, combat the industry practice of receiving Mainland groups at costs below service standards. The TIC will conduct random checks on contracts between Hong Kong receiving agencies and Mainland tour organizers. Travel agencies selected for inspection must submit their contracts within a specified time, or they will face disciplinary action. If issues involving "zero-fare tours" are discovered, the TIC will report them to Mainland tourism authorities.
Fourth, the TIC will study, subject to compliance with competition laws, providing information on the cost of services for receiving inbound Mainland groups to consumers as a reference, in order to increase market transparency and enable consumers to choose appropriate tourism products.
Fifth, strengthen cooperation between Hong Kong and Mainland tourism authorities, especially in the exchange of intelligence and information, to combat non-compliant behavior.
Sixth, Customs will establish an Integrity Shopping Scheme, inviting relevant shops to participate, with the goal of achieving market self-discipline and preventing illegal business practices.
Gregory So stated that Hong Kong Customs and the police have always strictly enforced laws against non-compliant tourism and sales practices. The six measures implemented this time will take a multi-pronged approach to combat the latest developments in the tourism industry (such as the issue of "shadow tour members"). Furthermore, the government will strengthen publicity for Mainland tourists, including providing materials such as "Tourist Guidelines," to ensure they are aware of the protections they receive when visiting Hong Kong.
Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying also published an article emphasizing that the industry must eradicate bad sales practices; otherwise, it is like killing the goose that lays the golden eggs, which is unsustainable. It is necessary for Hong Kong to rectify certain malpractices. The current issues of "short-weighting" and "zero-fare tours" not only damage the industry's goodwill but also undermine Hong Kong's reputation.