Penalties follow death of tourist
Source: Xinhua |
June 20, 2010, Sunday
|
Print Edition
Print Edition
THE Travel Industry Council of Hong Kong yesterday terminated the membership of a local travel agency for unscrupulous operations which may have caused the death of mainland tourist in May.
It is the heaviest penalty the council has imposed on any member agency. The penalty means the agency could lose its business license.
The council's compliance committee met yesterday to discuss the incident, in which Chen Youming, a former national table tennis player, died from a heart attack after arguing with an unlicensed tour guide who had allegedly refused to allow him to leave a jewelry shop.
The meeting unanimously decided to impose a fine of HK$7,000 (US$900) and terminate the membership of Win's Travel Agency Limited. The agency may file an appeal within 14 days after receiving notification of the penalty, and its 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 gravely damaged the reputation and image of Hong Kong tourism, said Joseph Tung, executive director of the council.
In a report submitted to the council on Thursday, Tung said the travel agency admitted it was aware the tour guide was using another guide's license.
The council found during its investigation that Win's Travel Agency was suspected of using and producing false documents. The case will be referred to the police for follow-up action.
Following the incident, the council has tightened its rules on tour guides and travel agencies.
It is the heaviest penalty the council has imposed on any member agency. The penalty means the agency could lose its business license.
The council's compliance committee met yesterday to discuss the incident, in which Chen Youming, a former national table tennis player, died from a heart attack after arguing with an unlicensed tour guide who had allegedly refused to allow him to leave a jewelry shop.
The meeting unanimously decided to impose a fine of HK$7,000 (US$900) and terminate the membership of Win's Travel Agency Limited. The agency may file an appeal within 14 days after receiving notification of the penalty, and its 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 gravely damaged the reputation and image of Hong Kong tourism, said Joseph Tung, executive director of the council.
In a report submitted to the council on Thursday, Tung said the travel agency admitted it was aware the tour guide was using another guide's license.
The council found during its investigation that Win's Travel Agency was suspected of using and producing false documents. The case will be referred to the police for follow-up action.
Following the incident, the council has tightened its rules on tour guides and travel agencies.
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