Hong Kong to step up crackdown on tourist scams during Labour Day ‘golden week’

Hong Kong tightens enforcement on tourist scams ahead of Labour Day golden week, expecting 980,000 mainland visitors and hotel occupancy above 90 percent. | Contesto: cronaca

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

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Hong Kong will intensify law enforcement against coerced shopping, unlicensed tour guides, and unfair sales practices targeting visitors during mainland China’s Labour Day “golden week,” the city’s tourism minister announced Saturday. Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism Rosanna Law Shuk-pui said the government estimates 980,000 mainland travellers will visit the city during the five-day holiday period starting May 1, an increase of 7 percent from the same period last year. Hotel occupancy rates are expected to exceed 90 percent, reflecting strong demand as the city continues its post-pandemic tourism recovery. The crackdown comes as Hong Kong seeks to rebuild its reputation as a welcoming destination after years of social unrest and strict Covid-19 border controls that kept visitors away. The Labour Day golden week is one of China’s busiest travel periods, and authorities are keen to prevent a repeat of past scandals involving aggressive sales tactics, counterfeit goods, and unlicensed tour operators that have damaged the city’s image. Law said the Tourism Commission, the police, and the Customs and Excise Department will conduct joint operations to inspect travel agencies, retail outlets, and tourist sites, with a focus on protecting consumers from deceptive practices. Under Hong Kong law, coercing tourists into making purchases is illegal, and offenders can face fines and imprisonment. Unlicensed tour guides also face penalties. The government has been under pressure from both local businesses and Beijing to ensure a positive experience for mainland visitors, who account for the majority of Hong Kong’s tourism arrivals. In 2023, the city received 34 million visitors, with about 27 million coming from mainland China, according to official figures. The expected surge during golden week represents a crucial test of Hong Kong’s ability to manage large crowds while maintaining service quality. The tourism sector has been a key driver of Hong Kong’s economic recovery, contributing roughly 4.5 percent of GDP before the pandemic. However, the city faces competition from other regional destinations such as Macau, Singapore, and Japan, which have also relaxed...

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Categoria: cronaca