Hong Kong's ailing tourism industry fears death of mainland visitor after shopping row will deter even more Chinese tourists
Hong Kong's troubled tourism industry is braced for repercussions following the death of a mainland tourist involved in a row over so-called "forced shopping" - while the mainland's top tourism body is demanding action on the case.
The concerns follow the death yesterday of Miao Chunqi, 53, a day after he was allegedly beaten outside a Hung Hom jewellery store after intervening in a row between a tour guide and a woman who did not want to shop.
The case puts the spotlight on so-called "forced shopping" trips, in which tourists are given cheap transport and hotels but are pressed into spending their money in certain outlets. The mainland banned such trips last year, while Hong Kong's Travel Industry Council attempted to stamp them out with new rules for tour guides in 2011. However, such trips remain popular.
The National Tourism Administration yesterday expressed concern over the case, saying it had ordered its Hong Kong bureau to work closely with the city's authorities. It called for the results of the investigation to be made available soon and urged Hong Kong authorities to enforce rules to safeguard the rights of mainland tourists.
Internet users on the mainland also hit out. More than 150,000 comments were left on Sina's news site.
"We do not welcome Hong Kong people to mainland China. Hong Kong, you will pay," added another.
The city's tourism and retail industries are already feeling the pinch as mainland visitors stay away. Several reasons have been cited, including growing anti-mainland sentiment in the city, the strength of the Hong Kong dollar and the fact mainland residents can visit a growing number of destinations worldwide.
Mainland tourists might lose interest and confidence in coming to Hong Kong
Joseph Tung Yao-chung, executive director of the Travel Industry Council, feared the case could deepen those problems.
"Mainland tourists might lose interest and confidence in coming to Hong Kong," Tung said. He added that budget tours involving shopping remained popular with mainland tourists. He urged tourists not to get into disputes but solve problems through discussion instead.
But tourism sector lawmaker Yiu Si-wing cautioned against "jumping to conclusions" and assuming the case would tarnish the city's image.
"Maybe it was about coerced shopping or, perhaps, personal remarks. We do not know what provoked the dispute," Yiu said.
The Tourism Commission said the government was highly concerned and had asked the Travel Industry Council to check whether the tour agent had breached any of its rules.
