ENG-2010 — Page 367

Travel and Tourism | 309

Protection of Travellers

Travel agents have to obtain a licence from the Government for conducting outbound and inbound travel business as prescribed by the Travel Agents Ordinance. They are required to be a member of the TIC and to observe its codes of conduct. The TIC investigates complaints against travel agents and takes disciplinary actions against non-compliance. There were 1 555 licensed travel agents at year's end.

A 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 travel agent default. One such case occurred during the year and ex gratia payments amounting to $117,000 were paid to 177 affected travellers.

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.

Travel agents have to assign accredited tourist guides to receive inbound visitors. Hong Kong had 6 226 accredited tourist guides at year's end.

Tourism Co-operation

Mainland

The Tourism Commission maintains close liaison with the Mainland tourism authorities, and meetings are held regularly to discuss matters of mutual interest, such as regulating the trade, joint promotions and healthy development of the tourism industry.

Macao

In May, Hong Kong and Macao held their third annual meeting to discuss tourism matters such as joint efforts in developing and promoting 'multidestination' itineraries.

CEPA

In May, a further tourism liberalisation measure was introduced under Supplement VII to the Mainland and Hong Kong Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement (CEPA). It allows Hong Kong travel agents established on a wholly owned or joint venture basis in the Beijing and Shanghai municipalities to apply to operate, on a trial basis, group tours to Hong Kong and Macao for residents with household registrations in the two municipalities.

Co-operation with other countries and international tourism organisations

In February 2010, the Secretary-General of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO), Dr Taleb Rifai, visited Hong Kong. During his stay, Dr Rifai visited major tourist attractions and met the Chief Executive. The visit gave a boost to Hong Kong's image as an international tourist destination and promoted exchange between Hong Kong and the UNWTO.