Society

HK travel agent to lose license after death case

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2010-06-19 20:59

HONG KONG - Travel Industry Council of Hong Kong (TIC) decided during a panel meeting on Saturday to terminate the membership of a local travel agency for hiring an illegal tour guide related to a tourist's death case in May.

This is the heaviest penalty that the council has ever imposed to any member agency and also means the travel agency could lose its license to operate.

The Compliance Committee of the TIC held a panel meeting on Saturday to deliberate the case where a visitor from the Chinese mainland died after arguing with a tourist guide in late May.

The panel meeting unanimously decided to impose a fine of 7,000 HK dollars to and terminate the membership of Win's Travel Agency Limited. The penalty is subject to the formal endorsement by a full meeting of the Compliance Committee next Monday in accordance with established procedures.

The agency may file an appeal with the TIC's Appeal Board within 14 days after receiving the notification of its penalty, and its TIC membership will remain valid pending the appeal.

The agency failed to fulfill its duty to provide good service to its clients, and its "unacceptable" conduct has gravely damaged the reputation and image of Hong Kong tourism, said Joseph Tung, the executive director of the council.

Tung said, in a report submitted to the council on Thursday, the travel agency admitted it knew the tour guide was using another guide's license.

The council found during its investigation that Win's Travel Agency is suspected of using and producing false documents, the case will be referred to the police for follow-up action.

A 65-year old mainland visitor, from China's Hunan province, was reportedly dissatisfied with the attitude of the guide while shopping at a registered shop. He felt unwell later and was taken to hospital, where he was certified dead. His wife filed a complaint with the TIC of Hong Kong later.

Following the case, the council tightened its rules on tour guides and travel agencies. The Hong Kong Tourism Board also urged mainland visitors to use quality operators.