Secretary for Economic Development and Labor Stephen Ip said Tuesday the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government is concerned about alleged tourism trade malpractice and will meet with the industry to review the regulatory framework.

 

The government will discuss the issue with tour guides, travel agents, the Travel Industry Council, the Tourism Board and the Consumer Council in the coming weeks, he said.

 

"All along we have kept in close touch with the national tourism authority because we work together to tackle travel agents on the Mainland and also in Hong Kong. We will continue the dialogue and will work together," he said.

 

"We will need to do more in promotion, education and publicity on consumer protection measures in Hong Kong and in the Mainland. Also, we will talk to the tour guides, listen to them and consider ways to improve the regulatory system," he added.

 

(Xinhua News Agency October 25, 2006)