Hong Kong to step up crackdown on coerced shopping, scams during Labour Day ‘golden week’

Hong Kong targets coercive shopping and scams as Labour Day tourist influx nears 1 million, a 7% rise from last year. | Contesto: cronaca

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• Hong Kong to step up crackdown on coerced shopping, scams during Labour Day ‘golden week’

Contesto

Hong Kong is intensifying law enforcement against coercive shopping, unlicensed tour guides, and deceptive sales practices as the city braces for nearly one million mainland Chinese visitors during the Labour Day “golden week” holiday, the tourism minister announced on Saturday. Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism Rosanna Law Shuk-pui said hotel occupancy rates are expected to exceed 90 percent during the period, with an estimated 980,000 mainland visitors arriving, marking a 7 percent increase from the same holiday last year. The crackdown targets long-standing complaints from tourists about being pressured into buying overpriced goods, often in group tours arranged by unlicensed operators. Law emphasized that the government would deploy additional inspectors to popular shopping districts, tourist attractions, and border crossings to deter unfair practices and ensure compliance with trade laws. “We want every visitor to have a safe and enjoyable experience,” Law said, noting that the measures are part of a broader effort to protect Hong Kong’s reputation as a world-class travel destination. The Labour Day golden week, which runs from May 1 to May 5, is one of mainland China’s busiest travel periods, and Hong Kong has historically relied on it to boost its tourism-driven economy. The projected 980,000 visitors represent a significant rebound from pandemic-era lows, though still below pre-2019 levels. The surge comes as Hong Kong faces increased competition from other Asian destinations, such as Japan and Thailand, which have also seen a rise in Chinese tourists. Industry analysts say the enforcement push reflects growing concerns about the prevalence of “zero-fare” tours, where operators rely on commissions from forced shopping to cover costs, often leaving tourists with subpar experiences. In recent years, such practices have tarnished Hong Kong’s image, prompting authorities to impose stricter penalties, including fines and license revocations for repeat offenders. The government has also launched public awareness campaigns to educate visitors about their rights and how to report abuses. The implications extend beyond tourism: Hong Kong’s retail and...

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Categoria: cronaca