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The ex gratia payments will cover medical expenses reasonably incurred in the relevant territory, trip expenses of victims' representatives, and expenses for cremation or returning the dead body or ashes in a case where the accident results in the death of the outbound traveller.
The maximum amount payable to an outbound traveller (and/or his representative) is $180,000.
The
As at January 31, the Fund has accumulated $192 million assets. assessment is that it should be adequate to meet its liabilities arising from defaults of travel agents and the projected outlay under the contingency fund scheme.
Dr Kung said: "the provision of ex-gratia payments to outbound travellers under the contingency fund scheme is expected to complement, but not replace, insurance coverage for both outbound travellers and the travel agents.
"Both outbound travellers and travel agents are still encouraged to take out their own insurance policies to protect themselves.
"Having consulted the Travel Industry Council of Hong Kong and the Advisory Committee on Travel Agents, the Management Board has agreed that all activities in a package tour including those which are of dangerous nature should be covered by the contingency fund scheme.
"In the event of a package tour accident happened abroad, the travel agent concerned will provide emergency services to its clients and then co-ordinate applications of its clients for assistance from the TICF.
"The Government will process the applications submitted by outbound travellers. It is hoped that clients of travel agents will be afforded better protection after the implementation of scheme."
End
The Amendment Rules will come into effect upon its gazettal on February 16.
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