Government seeks views on tourism reform

Commerce and Economic Department looks for more effective regulatory regime conducive to the tourism sector's development.

The Commerce & Economic Development Bureau has issued a consultation paper on the review of the operation and regulatory framework of Hong Kong's tourism sector. The document outlines details of four reform options.

Speaking at a press conference on Friday, Acting Secretary for Commerce & Economic Development Gregory So said the Government wants a more effective regulatory regime conducive to the tourism sector's sustainable and healthy development.

The first option proposes retaining the existing two-tier regulatory regime, reforming the Travel Industry Council and specifying its role as a public association. It proposes to revamp the composition of the council’s board of directors and its committees, thereby further enhancing the participation of non-trade members.

It includes amending the Travel Agents Ordinance to set out clearly the role of the council as a public association in the regulatory framework.

Government role
The second option suggests transferring certain regulatory functions from the council to a government department. Apart from revamping the composition of the council’s board and committees, this option proposes reviewing the council’s functions, powers and responsibilities.

Under this option, the council should continue to form codes of conduct and directives, but these must be approved by the Government before implementation. To further strengthen the appeal mechanism and afford better protection for travellers, it is proposed an independent appeal committee be formed, and channels for travellers to appeal against the council's decisions be introduced. The committee will handle appeals against the council's decisions lodged by trade members and travellers.

The third option proposes establishing an independent statutory body to regulate travel agents, tourist guides and tour escorts. Licensing work can either be entrusted to the independent statutory body, or be conducted by the Government as the ultimate licensing authority. The council will retain its trade organisation status to promote industry development.

The fourth option suggests a government department take up overall tourism regulation from the council, including handling the licensing and regulation of travel agents, tourist guides and tour escorts. The council will retain its trade organisation status to promote industry development, and represent the trade in offering advice to the regulator.

Consultation details
"Each proposal has its merits and drawbacks. We are open-minded at this stage, and will listen to the views of the community before deciding on the most viable option that could best forge a consensus. We plan to announce the substantive reform proposals in the fourth quarter of this year," Mr So said.

The consultation paper also invites views from the public on whether a licensing system for tourist guides, and different licences for regulating outbound and inbound tourism, should be introduced.

The consultation period will last until July 15.