ENG-2009 — Page 371

Travel and Tourism | 299

residents living in Shenzhen to apply for IVS endorsements in Shenzhen to visit Hong Kong (without returning to their cities of origin) was implemented on December 15.

Measures to facilitate the entry of Macao and Taiwan residents were also introduced. From February 16, the limit of stay for Macao permanent residents as visitors was extended from 14 to 180 days. From January 1, the restriction on the number of applications made by Taiwan visitors for iPermits was lifted, and the period of stay in Hong Kong for holders of iPermits and Multiple Entry Permits was extended from 14 to 30 days. From April 27, Taiwan residents holding a valid 'Mainland Travel Permit for Taiwan Residents' (commonly known as 'Tai Bao Zheng') were allowed to enter Hong Kong and stay for up to seven days without an entry endorsement for the Mainland.

Protection of Travellers

Travel agents must obtain a licence from the Government to carry on business as prescribed by the Travel Agents Ordinance. They are required to be a member of the TIC and observe the codes of conduct promulgated by it. TIC investigates complaints against travel agents and disciplines those who break the rules. There were 1 493 licensed travel agents at year's end.

The Travel Industry Compensation Fund (TICF) provides ex gratia payments of up to 90 per cent of the loss of tour fares to outbound travellers in the event of a default by a travel agent. There was one such case during the year which affected two travellers to whom ex gratia payments amounting to about $16,000 were paid.

The TICF also provides emergency financial assistance to outbound travellers injured, or killed, in accidents in the course of an activity arranged by a travel agent. No such cases were recorded in 2009.

Travel agents must assign accredited tourist guides to receive inbound visitors. At year's end, there were 6 770 accredited tourist guides in Hong Kong.

Tourism Co-operation

Mainland

The Tourism Commission maintains close liaison with the Mainland tourism authorities. A number of tourism co-operation accords were signed during the year between the tourism authorities and organisations in Hong Kong and their counterparts in the Pan Pearl River Delta region.

Macao

In February, Hong Kong and Macao held their second annual meeting to discuss tourism matters such as joint promotions of 'multi-destination' travel, communication in the event of travel incidents involving both cities, and promotion of quality tourism.

CEPA

In May, further liberalisation measures under CEPA (Mainland and Hong Kong Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement) were announced. These include allowing