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The Government was very concerned with recent complaints from Mainland group tourists about malpractices in certain unscrupulous retail shops in Hong Kong, and would endeavor to co-operate with the China National Tourism Administration (CNTA) to combat market malpractices and restore market order, the Commissioner for Tourism, Economic Development and Labour Bureau, Miss Au King-chi, said today (April 25).
Miss Au was speaking after the Mainland and Hong Kong Travel Industry joint meeting in Beijing.
"Hong Kong is a cosmopolitan city. We offer our visitors convenient and diversified shopping options and attach great importance to protecting consumer rights. We will not tolerate the unscrupulous business operation of a small group of industry players undermining the achievement of the tourism industry over the past years. We have discussed with CNTA officials about taking parallel actions to tackle the issue," Miss Au said.
"The majority of the tourism industry and retail business in Hong Kong has been operating well and offering quality service to visitors. The CNTA fully supports measures being carried out by the Hong Kong SAR Government and the tourism industry. It announced today a series of measures to regulate market practices, including combating sales malpractices by certain Mainland outbound group tour agents. We welcome these new initiatives and we will endeavor to co-operate in full."
Miss Au said that the malpractices of a small group of industry players had affected Hong Kong's reputation as a shoppers' paradise and would not be tolerated. The Secretary for Economic Development and Labour earlier announced a series of measures to tackle the issue, including government stepping up enforcement action, industry tightening regulation, reviewing consumer protection legislation and strengthening education for consumers and promotion of Honest and Quality Hong Kong Tours.
"We will continue to monitor the market situation, review from time to time the implementation of the new initiatives, and introduce new ones according to market needs. We will maintain close contact with CNTA, and look forward to the concerted efforts of all parties involved in order to maintain and enhance Hong Kong's position as a preferred destination for Mainland visitors," Miss Au said.
Ends/Wednesday, April 25, 2007
Issued at HKT 16:17
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