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Travel and Tourism

Information Network

There are seven visitor centres locally, at the airport (two centres), The Peak Piazza, Tsim Sha Tsui Star Ferry Concourse, Hong Kong West Kowloon Station, HZMB Hong Kong Port and Kai Tak Cruise Terminal. The centre at the cruise terminal operates during ship calls. Travel information is also available via HKTB's website (in 13 languages), DiscoverHongKong.com, and social media channels.

Marketing

The HKTB spearheads the promotion of Hong Kong as a preferred travel destination for visitors. from around the world. With inbound travel brought to a standstill by COVID-19, the HKTB launched the 'Holiday at Home' campaign to encourage Hong Kong people to rediscover their city and increase local consumption, at the same time showcasing Hong Kong positively to the international audience as a future destination.

Building Safe Tourism Image

In October, the HKTB, in conjunction with the Hong Kong Quality Assurance Agency, introduced the Anti-Epidemic Hygiene Measures Certification Scheme, a standardised hygiene protocol for the tourism-related sectors, including inbound travel agencies, attractions, shopping malls and dining and retail outlets. By the end of December, more than 1,500 outlets were certified under the scheme.

Service Quality

Honest and Quality Tourist Services

The government works closely with the tourism industry and related organisations to promote honest and good quality services for tourists. It cooperates with the TIC to protect consumers' interests and ensure the tourism market's healthy development and operation. Laws such as the Trade Descriptions Ordinance are in place to prohibit unfair trade practices and protect consumers' legitimate interests.

The TIC also operates a Refund Protection Scheme for Registered Shops, which allows Mainland tour group members who are not satisfied with their purchases to return the goods and seek refunds within 180 days of purchase, provided the goods are in proper condition.

The HKTB's QTS Scheme encourages shops, restaurants and visitor accommodation facilities to offer good services. As at 31 December, 1,131 establishments with 7,608 outlets and 228 rooms had earned QTS accreditation.

Hospitality Initiatives

Hospitality is essential to sustaining tourism. The government runs a Hong Kong Young Ambassador Scheme to train young people to be polite and helpful to visitors and to develop a strong hospitality culture in schools and the community. About 250 young people participate in the programme every year.

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