Commissioner for Tourism Au King-chi has expressed concern over a possible tour guide strike during the Golden Week holiday. She urged guides to consider the wider interest of the community and Hong Kong's tourism industry before taking any industrial action.

The Tourism Commission has reached an agreement with the Travel Industry Council on a contingency plan. Travel agents receiving Mainland tour groups are reminded to be prepared for Golden Week, to honour their contractual obligations and offer pledged services to tourists.

The council has also been asked to closely liaise with tour guide associations to make contingency arrangements and help travel agents redeploy tour guides should the need arise.

Meeting three tour guide associations and the council today, Miss Au said the recent measures against shady sales targeted a small group of industry participants operating on a "low tour fare, high commission" basis.

Healthy development

She reiterated that the measures seek to boost the healthy and sustainable development of the city's tourism industry and restore Hong Kong's reputation as a shopping mecca.

Miss Au said the Government is fully aware of the guides'  concern about the new measures, which might affect the commission rebate arrangement amongst them, travel agents and shops.

However, she said the malpractice of a small group of industry participants has undermined the long term development of Hong Kong's tourism industry. The Government, the trade and the public will not tolerate this, she said, adding that industry participants must change their mode of operation.

Improvements sought

To address the tour guides' concern, the council will consider improving the career development of those receiving Mainland tour groups, including their employment and remuneration structure, and professional and continuous training.

In the course of discussion, the council should listen to the views of the agents and tour guides serving Mainland tour groups. Reference should also be made to existing employment and remuneration structure of other travel agents, shops and tour guides.