Travel Industry Authority revokes licences of travel agency and tour guides for allegedly coercing tourists into shopping
發佈日期: 2026-04-13 21:48
TVB News
The Travel Industry Authority, or TIA revoked the licenses of a travel agency and one of its tour guides for allegedly coercing tourists into shopping, making the first time such powers have been used to crack down on industry malpractice.
At the travel agency's office in Tsim Sha Tsui, staff members were seen covering the windows with newspapers.
Records show other travel agencies are also registered at the same address.
In a statement, the TIA said Star Link Travel Limited was suspected of coercing mainland tour groups into shopping on four separate occasions between January and March this year. The authority, therefore, launched an investigation.
Investigators found the tour guide, named Kuk Wa, threatened travellers who did not "spend enough," to pay the difference in tour fees.
Reportedly, the guide also made "inappropriate remarks" to participants on the coach. It is understood that the tour fees were a about a few hundred dollars per person.
The TIA concluded that both the travel agency and the guide seriously breached licensing conditions, severely damaging the industry's reputation.
For the first time, TIA revoked the licenses of both the travel agency and its tour guide under the Travel Industry Ordinance. The regulator has not ruled out further disciplinary action or criminal prosecution. The move received support from several industry representatives.
Timothy Chui, executive director of the Hong Kong Tourism Association, noted the prompt action taken by the watchdog, and said it was much more effective than the industry's old management style.
He also expressed disappointment over the incident, given that the sector had hosted at least five million tourists without a single complaint.
Lawmaker Yiu Pak-leung said while the business environment is tough for the industry, it is no excuse for malpractice.
In a social media post, tourism lawmaker Vivian Kong praised the TIA for its move, noting it is essential to get rid of the rotten apples in the sector and rebuild the industry's international reputation.
