It has recently come to the TIC’s attention that some mainland tour operators have directly employed Hong Kong residents or assigned mainland tour escorts to work in Hong Kong as tourist guides for inbound visitors. The TIC is deeply concerned about these practices.

Tourist guides who receive mainland tour groups are advised to note that if a mainland tour operator employs a Hong Kong resident to work in Hong Kong as a tourist guide for inbound visitors, then the Hong Kong resident may have violated Hong Kong’s Travel Agents Ordinance for carrying on business as a travel agent without a licence. Only TIC member agents which hold a Travel Agent’s Licence can appoint Tourist Guide Pass holders to work as tourist guides in Hong Kong.

Besides, if a mainland tour operator assigns a mainland tour escort to work in Hong Kong as a tourist guide for inbound visitors, then the mainland tour escort may have violated Hong Kong’s Immigration Ordinance.

The above practices not only are suspected of breaching the law, but also will harm the interests of inbound visitors. The TIC will report any cases where such practices are involved to the relevant law enforcement departments for action. If tourist guides are aware of any such cases, please also report them to the relevant law enforcement departments for action.

For enquiries about the ordinances, please call the hotline of the Immigration Department on 2824-6111 or the hotline of the Travel Agents Registry on 3151-7945.