I have been an active member of Hong Kong's travel industry for the last 15 years and have served on the boards of a number of tourism task forces and associations.
For the past 10 years I was general manager of one of the largest inbound tour operators in Hong Kong and have recently formed my own company also specialising in bringing incentive groups and independent travellers here.
The nature of my business is to pre-book local hotels for my clients, arrange airport transfers and local tours and sightseeing.
I am not a 'travel agent' in the sense of the word.
I am an inbound tour operator or, there is a newer fancier term, a destination management company.
Many clients wish to pay in advance for their accommodation, or pay a deposit by using their credit card before they arrive here and indeed it is common practice for clients while in Hong Kong to pay for sightseeing tours using their credit card as they do in shops and restaurants.
