The Government was very concerned with recent complaints from Mainland group tourists about malpractices in certain unscrupulous retail shops in Hong Kong, the Secretary for Economic Development and Labour, Mr Stephen Ip, said at a press conference today (April 18).
 
     The China National Tourism Administration (CNTA) fully supported measures being carried out by the Hong Kong SAR Government, Travel Industry Council (TIC), Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) and Consumer Council (CC) to combat these malpractices, Mr Ip said.

     "Following discussion with CNTA officials, both sides are stepping up actions to tackle the issue, including zero-fare packages," he said, adding that these measures would be conducive to the healthy and sustainable development of the travel industry in both Hong Kong and the Mainland.  

     Mr Ip said that the malpractices had affected Hong Kong's reputation as a shoppers' paradise and would definitely not be tolerated.

     The Government and the travel trade are determined to take action against unscrupulous shops.  

     The Customs and Excise Department and the Police have stepped up regular enforcement actions to tackle law offenders. They have enhanced co-ordination with the Consumer Council and Travel Industry Council to increase the effectiveness of enforcement actions setting up a mutual referral system to handle complaints promptly.

     The Customs and Excise Department will increase blitz operations on retail shops frequented by tourists. They will also collect evidence from the Mainland when necessary to facilitate investigation. These enforcement actions will be sustained in the run-up to and beyond the May 1 Golden Week  

     Together with the Consumer Council, TIC, HKTB, the Police and Customs and Excise, the Economic Development and Labour Bureau (EDLB) is reviewing relevant consumer protection legislation with a view to strengthening enforcement actions against misleading and undesirable sales practices. The bureau aims to complete the review as soon as possible. In the longer run, the possibility of introducing a trade practices law forbidding, for example, the use of "bait and switch" tactics and coercion will be studied.

     TIC has resolved to improve the regulatory regime for TIC registered shops, such as extending the time limit for refund from 14 days to six months, tightening the demerit point system, increasing the surveillance of these shops, "naming and shaming" shops and associated travel agents that have violated TIC rules, and requiring in-bound travel agents to receive only tour groups organised by authorised Mainland travel agents. These measures have the support of the travel industry, Government, Hong Kong Tourism Board and the Consumer Council.

     Meanwhile, the Consumer Council is working closely with the China Consumers' Association to inform the latter of shops that are involved in unscrupulous practices, and promote consumer education both at boundary crossings and on the Mainland.

     The tourism board is stepping up promotion on the Mainland and on its website, in particular the Quality Tourism Services, as well as Honest and Quality Hong Kong Tours.  These would provide more choices for Mainland tourists when visiting Hong Kong. These efforts will be intensified during the May 1 Golden Week.

     "We need the concerted efforts of all parties involved to make Hong Kong an attractive place for visitors," Mr Ip said.
 

Ends/Wednesday, April 18, 2007
Issued at HKT 18:17

NNNN

News Archives | Yesterday's News