Secretary for Commerce & Economic Development Rita Lau has expressed regret over the death of a Mainland tourist who allegedly quarrelled with an unlicensed tour guide over forced shopping on May 22.

Mrs Lau said today Police will investigate the incident and the Travel Industry Council will bolster supervision of tour guides under the licensing regime.

"It is important for the tourism sector to be made more self-aware of the importance of upholding professional ethics in delivering services promised to consumers on the payment of the fees. As the regulator, [the council] obviously has a role to continue its surveillance on any malpractices," she said.

The council will send inspectors to scenic spots and shops to spot-check tour guides' identity, and deploy undercover officers.

She said the Government has notified Mainland tourist authorities of the case. The Shenzhen tourist authorities have agreed to increase checks on inbound travel agencies, and are considering raising penalties for malpractices.