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SCMP Reporter

The Government has announced a wide-ranging review into regulation of the travel industry.

The move follows last month's collapse of Observers Travel and the stranding of several hundred clients who bought pre-paid tours.

Alan Wong, the Deputy Secretary for Trade and Industry, said the review would seek the views of industryand consumer groups. He was speaking at yesterday's Legislative Council panel on trade and industry.

The territory has about 1,225 travel agents, with more than 200 offering group tours.

Mr Wong said the department worked closely with the Travel Industry Council (TIC).

'You cannot expect the administration to understand the detailed operation of each agent. We have to rely on the TIC,' he said.

He said he welcomed competition in the industry and expressed reservations about introducing capital adequacy requirements that could inhibit new entrants or squeeze out small operators.

'We cannot overturn the system because of the failure of one travel agent,' he said. 'We will need to seek the views of the legal and professional community.'  The industry is largely regulated by the TIC and the Travel Agents' Registry.

Mr Wong said there was no consensus view on raising the ex gratia payment from the Travel Industry Compensation Fund from 80 per cent to 100 per cent.

'Careful consideration will be given to the different views expressed and a decision will be taken after seeking the views of the Advisory Committee on Travel Agents and the compensation fund's management board,' he said.



Review to probe travel industry