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In response to media enquiries on the protest march staged by the Hong Kong Tour Guides General Union today (January 9), a spokesman for the Commerce and Economic Development Bureau said:
"Front-line staff is an important asset of the tourism sector. While we place importance on the views of stakeholders, we strongly hope that all of them would join hands and work together towards the ultimate goal of safeguarding the long-term healthy development of the sector. We also urge them to support the implementation of the 10 measures, including the 'one tour, one guide' policy, drawn up by the Hong Kong Travel Industry Council (TIC) to eradicate the bad practices in the reception of inbound Mainland tour groups according to the planned timetable."
"TIC has conducted extensive consultation with the tourism trade, including tour guides, registered shops and travel agents, in formulating the 10 measures. The 'one tour, one guide' policy is the common trade practice for tour groups as it would help ensure the provision of quality tour guide services to tourists. The policy is supported by two major tour guide associations."
"The government and the TIC stand ready to enhance communication with the tourism sector. The TIC would also put in place a mechanism to communicate and exchange views regularly with stakeholders in the sector, including tour guide associations."
Ends/Sunday, January 9, 2011
Issued at HKT 17:10
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