Zero Charge Tour in Hong Kong
Introduction
In the recent years, the tourism industry of Hong Kong has been suffering from a severe negative impact due to a scandal that occurred within the industry. The Zero Charge Tour literally indicates tour without payment of fee by the tourist, whereas, it is not precise to interpret the Zero Charge Tour in this way. The Zero Charge Tour means the kind of tour that requires the tourist to pay incredibly low fee. Distinguished from the traditional group tour, it appears to be more economic and worthwhile, thus it becomes attractive to those tourists who tend to have a relatively low budget. Zero Charge Tour firstly appeared in the tourism industry of Thailand where it was employed to attract the tourists from Taiwan. Subsequently there had been a rapid expansion from Thailand to other countries within the region. In some situation the Zero Charge Tour has been a systematic common practice within the industry. This essay is to take a closer look at this ethical issue and thus gain a better understanding of it. In the succeeding section, there will be causes and effects study to unveil how it happens. Then a further description of this ethical issue from the perspectives of various stakeholders will be included and afterwards attentions will be concentrated on the steps that government has taken to tackle this issue. Lastly, conclusion will be drawn and possible suggestions will be presented at the end of this essay.
Causes and effects study
Hong Kong has long been remarked as a shoppers’ paradise. It has a well developed tourism industry which attracts tens of thousands of people every year. Since 1997’s handing over, Hong Kong’s tourism has become increasing dependent to the vast market of mainland China. It has become more and more apparent since 2003 when Hong Kong’s economy was in severe depression and CEPA (Closer Economic Partnership Agreement) came into being. In order to relieve the Hong Kong economy and gain mutual benefit, CEPA loosed the
In the recent years, the tourism industry of Hong Kong has been suffering from a severe negative impact due to a scandal that occurred within the industry. The Zero Charge Tour literally indicates tour without payment of fee by the tourist, whereas, it is not precise to interpret the Zero Charge Tour in this way. The Zero Charge Tour means the kind of tour that requires the tourist to pay incredibly low fee. Distinguished from the traditional group tour, it appears to be more economic and worthwhile, thus it becomes attractive to those tourists who tend to have a relatively low budget. Zero Charge Tour firstly appeared in the tourism industry of Thailand where it was employed to attract the tourists from Taiwan. Subsequently there had been a rapid expansion from Thailand to other countries within the region. In some situation the Zero Charge Tour has been a systematic common practice within the industry. This essay is to take a closer look at this ethical issue and thus gain a better understanding of it. In the succeeding section, there will be causes and effects study to unveil how it happens. Then a further description of this ethical issue from the perspectives of various stakeholders will be included and afterwards attentions will be concentrated on the steps that government has taken to tackle this issue. Lastly, conclusion will be drawn and possible suggestions will be presented at the end of this essay.
Causes and effects study
Hong Kong has long been remarked as a shoppers’ paradise. It has a well developed tourism industry which attracts tens of thousands of people every year. Since 1997’s handing over, Hong Kong’s tourism has become increasing dependent to the vast market of mainland China. It has become more and more apparent since 2003 when Hong Kong’s economy was in severe depression and CEPA (Closer Economic Partnership Agreement) came into being. In order to relieve the Hong Kong economy and gain mutual benefit, CEPA loosed the
References: Lam, L. O. (2005). Hong Kong: “zero-charge” tours. Retrieved September 30, 2007 from http://www.globalvoicesonline.org/2006/10/25/hong-kong-zero-charge- tours/ Legislative Council (2006). . , LC Paper No. CB(1)1945/06-07 . Ho, H. R. (2006). Oh zero-fee tours, what malpractices are committed in thy name!. Retrieved September 30, 2007 from Travel Industry Council of Hong Kong, Web site: http://www.tichk.org/public/website/en/chairman/2006_10_11/html Travel Industry Council (). Advice for Travellers: Protection for inbound group visitors. Retrieved September 30, 2007 from Travel Industry Council of Hong Kong, Web site: http://www.tichk.org/public/website/en/travellers/in_advice/html Consumer Council (2007). Counsumer Council. Retrieved September 31, 2007 from Consumer Council of Hong Kong, Web site: http://www.consumer.org.hk/website/ws_en/competition_issues/policy_position/2006112701.html Hong Kong Trade Development Council (2007). CEPA - CEPA I & II: Opportunities for Hong Kong Services Industries. Retrieved September 31, 2007 from Hong Kong Trade Development Council, Web site: http://hongkong.tdctrade.com/content_chi.aspx?data=cepa_content_chi&contentid=307014&w_sid=194&w_pid=609&w_cid=6&w_idt=1900-01-01