Even though the Travel Industry Compensation Fund Management Board suggested yesterday that travel agents' contributions to the fund be suspended, agents are unlikely to cut tour prices.
In a public consultation document released yesterday, the board suggested that travel agents should stop paying the levy whenever the fund's balance exceeded HK$500 million.
When the balance fell to HK$400 million or less, the board would decide whether, and at what level, the levy should be resumed.
The board also suggested increasing the ceiling on ex gratia payments for funerals, cremations or the repatriation of the remains of a deceased outbound traveller and spending on compassionate visits by relatives from HK$40,000 to HK$100,000.
A restriction limiting eligibility for compassionate visit claims to two relatives would be removed.
EGL Tours executive director Steve Huen Kwok-chuen said cutting tour costs would be minimal if passed on.
