The Tourism Commission is prepared for a surge of Mainland visitors during the Lunar New Year Golden Week holiday from February 13 to 19.

The commission has been liaising with the Guangdong Provincial Tourism Administration on information exchange and emergency handling.

Efforts will be made to promote honest and quality tourism and consumer rights awareness. The Consumer Council will promote the Shop Smart in Hong Kong website for Mainland tourists. Visitor complaints will be handled under a fast-track referral system.

To enhance regulation of inbound travel agents receiving Mainland group tours, the Travel Industry Council will strictly enforce regulations, such as requiring registered retail shops to adhere to the six-month full refund protection scheme, and local agents to register with the council's tour confirmation agreement before the tour groups' arrival and to enhance transparency.

The council will boost inspections and take rigorous action against travel agents and tour guides on non-compliance.

Heavy passenger traffic is expected for February 12 to 21. The Immigration Department, Police and other departments will activate a joint command centre to monitor boundary checkpoints and to take contingency action. Government departments will deploy more manpower and arrange transport facilities to ensure efficient cross-boundary services for visitors.

The Tourism Board projects total visitor arrivals during the Golden Week holiday to rise 10% on the same period last year.

Visitors can call the Travel Industry Council (2807 0707), Tourism Board (2508 1234) or Consumer Council (2929 2222) for enquiries.