Commissioner for Tourism Au King-chi has hailed the China National Tourism Administration's initiatives to regulate market practices, including combating shady sales by Mainland outbound group tour agents.

Speaking after the Mainland and Hong Kong travel industry joint meeting in Beijing today, Miss Au said the Government is concerned over recent complaints from Mainland tourists about malpractices by some unscrupulous Hong Kong retail shops.

Noting the malpractices of a small group of industry players have affected Hong Kong's reputation as a shopper's paradise, Miss Au said this will not be tolerated.

"Hong Kong is a cosmopolitan city. We offer our visitors convenient and diversified shopping options and attach great importance to protecting consumer rights. The majority of the tourism industry and retail business in Hong Kong has been operating well and offering quality service to visitors. We will not tolerate the unscrupulous business operation of a small group of industry players undermining the achievement of the tourism industry over the past years," she said.

"We have discussed with China National Tourism Administration officials about taking parallel actions to tackle the issue. The CNTA fully supports measures being carried out by Hong Kong and the tourism industry. It announced today a series of measures to regulate market practices, including combating sales malpractices by certain Mainland outbound group tour agents. We welcome these new initiatives and we will endeavor to co-operate in full."

Apart from a series of measures announced last week to tackle the issue, Miss Au said the Government will monitor the market situation, review from time to time the implementation of the new initiatives, and introduce new ones according to market needs.

"We will maintain close contact with CNTA, and look forward to the concerted efforts of all parties involved in order to maintain and enhance Hong Kong's position as a preferred destination for Mainland visitors."