The Travel Industry Authority (TIA) on Monday said it had revoked the operating licences of two travel agencies and one tour guide over forced shopping — marking the second such similar enforcement action in a month.

Upon investigation, the watchdog found that the tour guide, Sun Kwun-ying, allegedly made threatening remarks to group members from the mainland, compelling them to purchase goods in February and April this year.

The agencies – Go Go Ming Travel Services and Grandee Travel Company – meanwhile, allegedly failed to take all reasonable steps to ensure that people on the tours were not coerced into shopping.

The watchdog stressed it does not tolerate forced shopping and behaviour that damages the reputation of Hong Kong’s tourism sector.

It promised to resolutely crack down on such malpractices.

Ahead of the National Day Golden Week holiday next month, the TIA said it would step up inspections with other law enforcement departments to fully safeguard inbound visitors’ rights and uphold the reputation of the SAR’s tourism sector.

DAB lawmaker Nixie Lam welcomed the decision, saying that the disciplinary actions taken by the watchdog serve as a reminder to the sector that it has to strictly abide by regulatory requirements to prohibit malpractice.

She said it was appropriate for the TIA to strip their licences, noting that it was the third enforcement action of this kind so far this year.

While the vast majority in the sector is dedicated to serving travellers, Lam said a small number of rotten apples would have a negative impact on the SAR's image.

The legislator suggested the watchdog step up professional training and education for frontline workers, so as to enhance the overall service quality of the industry.





Edited by Tony Sabine