Council Bulletin 議會簡報

Mr Tony Chong, a director of View Win Travel Limited, was elected to the Board at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) held on 24 November 2014. He serves on the TIC’s Public Relations and Publication Commit- tees for the current year. Mr Chong stood for election because he wished to serve the trade. He was indebted to his fellow traders for their trust and support, and would listen to their opinions and fight for their interests. As the six- month refund period under the full refund protection scheme for mainland tour groups was considered too long by many members, he would bring up the matter with the Board and propose to conduct a review. With regard to the reform of the regulatory framework of the tourism sector, Mr Chong remarked that although the ideal model was to have a single tourism bureau oversee regulation and promotion, to have a statutory body responsible for regulating travel agents in the future was also not bad, for there would be no need for agents to pay subscriptions to the TIC and its Association Members. He always gave full support to the TIC and hoped that in the future it would perform the functions of a trade association by protecting and fighting for trade benefits and pro- moting the healthy development of the industry in the long run.

Mr Charlie Foo, Managing Director of A.C.T. Travel Company Limited and Chairman of the International Chinese Tourist Association (ICTA), began to serve on the TIC Board on 25 November 2014 as representative of ICTA. He was an elected director of the TIC from 2010 to 2012, and currently serves on its Membership and Public Relations Committees. Mr Foo commented that when the Travel Industry Authority (TIA) was in place, travel agents could apply for a licence without first having to join the TIC and its Association Members, thereby simplifying the regulatory framework and saving the cost of travel agents. Worries about changes in the regulatory system were, according to him, unnec- essary if traders stayed away from unscrupulous practices. He believed that the TIC would have the backing of members if it continued to strive after the interests of the industry. Mr Foo pointed out that information and communications technology was now so widely used that travel agents had to directly com- pete with airlines and travel websites, with the result that their profits kept shrinking. To survive this irreversible trend, travel agents must provide quality after-sales service and retain their customers through word of mouth.

The Voice of TIC No.1 / 2015 議會簡報 Council Bulletin

Mrs Gianna Hsu, a director and General Manager of Towa Tours Limited, joined the TIC Board on 25 November 2014 in her capacity as Chairman of the Hongkong Japanese Tour Operators Association (HJTOA). She is currently Convenor of the Outbound Committee, Dep- uty Convenor of the Constitution/By-law Committee, and a member of the Consumer Relations, Electoral Affairs and Governance Committees. Mrs Hsu had been TIC Deputy Chairman for over 10 years. When asked about the transfer of regulatory functions from the TIC to the TIA, she considered that the TIA would be better positioned than the TIC to regulate the trade because it was a statutory body but the TIC, being not a law enforcement agency, had difficulty performing its duties on occa- sion. In view of the impact to be brought about by the new regulatory regime, she pledged to do her best to put forward the trade’s opinions to the Government in a bid to ensure that the industry would keep grow- ing in a healthy way. Mrs Hsu pointed out that although the future TIC would diminish in importance, it would continue to play a key role because the industry would need such a long-established leader to unite its traders and communicate with other sectors.

Mr Leo Li is Managing Director of Xiamen Air Holidays Limited. He became representative of the Hongkong Taiwan Tourist Operators As- sociation (TTOA) on the TIC Board on 25 November 2014, and currently serves on the Mainland China Inbound Tour Affairs Committee and the Membership Committee. Mr Li told The Voice that he joined the Board because he wished to take up TTOA members’ views with it. With both inbound and outbound tourism affected by the recent social movement, he would work with other directors to help members explore new business opportuni- ties. As the regulatory mechanism would soon be reformed, he believed that the TIC should become a representative trade association in the future, strive to bring unity to the trade and upgrade its service quality. The TIC should also provide SME travel agents with greater support, protect trade interests and closely communicate with the new regulatory body. Commenting on the measures to regulate mainland inbound tours, Mr Li considered them to be consistently effective, and stressed the importance of formulating them in a just and fair manner, for no system was perfect and the views of travel agents varied.

議會季刊二零一五年第一期 Council Bulletin 議會簡報

Mr Martin Ma, General Manager of Tour Bank (HK) Travel Limited, is a veteran of the trade. He was elected to the Board at last year’s AGM, and is now Honorary Treasurer of the TIC, Deputy Convenor of its Tourist Guide and Tour Escort Deliberation Committee, and a member of its Compliance, Governance, and Staff and Finance Committees. Eager to serve the trade and familiar with its operation, Mr Ma is currently an Honorary President of ICTA, and was once its Chair- man, Vice Chairman, Honorary Secretary and an executive committee member. Mr Ma joined the TIC Board as representative of ICTA in 2011, and was Deputy Convenor and a member of the Public Relations Committee. After his election to the Board last year, he stated that he would continue to act as a bridge between traders and the TIC, and bring up the views and difficulties of the trade with the TIC so that both sides could have better communication and stick together to make preparations for future changes.

Mr Ng Hi On, a director of CTS International Science-Technology and Culture Exchange Co Ltd, was re-elected to the Board at last year’s AGM. He is currently Convenor of the Public Relations Committee, Deputy Convenor of the Compliance Committee and a member of the Governance Committee. Mr Ng believed that the TIC had to transform itself and determine its future direction as the Government was going to set up the TIA, and he was willing to offer his help in that respect. He hoped that the TIC would closely liaise with the Tourism Commission for more resources so as to support the trade and help solve its problems. Talking about the outlook for travel agents, Mr Ng pointed out that many suppliers had long begun to market and sell their products directly to customers, and the travellers were well-informed about all kinds of travel information thanks to the all-encompassing Internet. That was why travel agents found it so difficult to do business. He therefore believed that selling products to customers face-to-face, as travel agents used to do, was no longer enough now. They should instead learn to be more IT savvy so as to meet the needs of their customers. Furthermore, he hoped that all traders could be united to work harmoniously for the industry.

The Voice of TIC No.1 / 2015 議會簡報 Council Bulletin

Mr Warren Tong, Managing Director of Mount Travel Limited and Chair- man of The Federation of Hong Kong Chinese Travel Agents (FHCTA), continues to serve on the TIC Board as the FHCTA’s representative for the current year. He is now Convenor of the Membership Committee, and a member of the Committee on Shopping-related Practices, the Constitution/By-law Committee, the Electoral Affairs Committee and the Governance Committee. Mr Tong remarked that at this critical moment when the TIA was about to be established, he would make the industry’s voice heard by the Government, and assist the TIC in deciding its future role and direction with his many years of trade experience. Whereas he under- stood that the current business environment was very difficult for travel agents, he hoped that they could hang together to avoid vicious competition and create a favourable business environment. Regarding the new Tourism Commissioner Ms Cathy Chu, Mr Tong believed that she would make an excellent commissioner since she was a very experienced government officials and willing to listen to the trade’s opinions.

Mr Simon Wo is General Manager of Premium Holidays Limited. A can- didate in the Directors’ Election in 2013, he was appointed to the Board on 9 December 2014 to fill the vacancy left by an elected director, the late Mr Stephen Chan. He is now a member of the Compliance Committee and the Outbound Committee. After joining the Board, Mr Wo wished, in the run-up to the estab- lishment of the TIA, to have more talks with the Government, draw its attention to the industry’s concerns and work out how the TIC and the TIA should cooperate in the future. If the Board was to come up with a new proposal concerning the future role of the TIC, he believed that the proposal had to be for the maximum benefit of the trade, and that the TIC should try to win over members by working harder this time to explain how it would benefit them. When asked about the Competition Ordinance, which would be fully implemented soon, Mr Wo considered it to be good for the industry. Since the new law would open up the market and promote fair competition, travel agents would have a freer hand in devising marketing strategies for dealing with competition not only from their fellow agents but from airlines and overseas travel websites as well.

議會季刊二零一五年第一期 Council Bulletin 議會簡報

Mr Freddy Yip was an elected director of the Board from 1999 to 2013, and was its Honorary Treasurer between 2001 and 2009. Since trade directors were not allowed to serve on the Board for more than eight consecutive years according to the TIC’s M&A, he stepped down from the Board in 2013/2014 and was elected to it again at last year’s AGM. Given Hong Kong’s complicated political atmosphere, it was most unlikely, commented Mr Yip, that the bill to establish the TIA, which was drafted by the Government now, would be passed by the Legislative Council by the end of this year, which was regrettable. It was a well known fact that the business environment was de- teriorating in recent years and traders were in great hardship. Many traders were therefore concerned about how they might be affected when the TIC changed its role in the following two or three years. As a member of the industry, he felt duty-bound to do something and therefore decided to join the Board again. Now that he was a director, he would team up with other directors to work on various tasks during the transition period.

Chairman: Mr Michael Wu MH, JP Deputy Chairmen: Mr Paul Leung and Mr Jason Wong Honorary Secretary: Mr Ma Ho Fai* SBS, JP Honorary Treasurer: Mr Martin Ma Directors: Mrs Pamela Chan* BBS, JP, Ms Dilys Chau*, Mr Tony Chong, Mr Charlie Foo, Mrs Gianna Hsu, Mr Ginger Keung, Mr David Leung, Mr Leung Fu Wah* BBS, MH, JP, Mr Gary Leung, Mr Johnny K K Leung*, Mr Li Kwok Ying* BBS, MH, JP, Mr Leo Li, the Hon Martin Liao* SBS, JP, the Hon Ma Fung Kwok* SBS, JP, Mr Ng Hi On, Mr Jason Shum, Mr Raymond Sit*, Mr Warren Tong, Mr Kenny Tsang, Dr Tony Tse*, Mr Simon Wo, Mr Peter Wong*, Mr Charles Yang* BBS, JP and Mr Freddy Yip

Appeal Board Terms of reference: To hear appeals lodged against decisions of the Committee on Shopping-related Practices, the

The Voice of TIC No.1 / 2015 議會簡報 Council Bulletin

Compliance Committee, the Consumer Rela- tions Committee, the Membership Committee and the Tourist Guide and Tour Escort Delib- eration Committee Trade members: Association Members’ representatives on the TIC Board and Elected Directors Independent members*: Dr Eugene Chan JP, Miss Lily Chow, Ms Cynthia Chung, Mr Patrick Lam, Ms Sue Lau, Mr Alex Liu, Ms Elaine Liu JP, Ms Debora Poon, Ms So Lai Chun MH, JP and Mr Harry Yu

Committee on Shopping-related Practices Terms of reference: To handle cases in which registered shops are suspected of breaching their pledges Convenor: Mr Raymond Sit* Deputy Convenor: Mr Leung Fu Wah* BBS, MH, JP and Mr Paul Leung Members: Mr C K Chan*, Mr Simon Chan, Mr Chan Wing Kai*, Mr Michael Fung, Mr Anthony Hung*, Dr Law Cheung Kwok*, Ms Daisy Lui*, Mr Ng Lap Yan, Mr Henry Sin*, Mr Spencer Tai* and Mr Warren Tong Ex-Officio Member: Ms Almaz Leung*

Compliance Committee Terms of reference: To take disciplinary action against members, tour escorts and tourist guides for violating the TIC’s regulations Convenor: Mr Ma Ho Fai* SBS, JP Deputy Convenors: Mr Li Kwok Ying* BBS, MH, JP and Mr Ng Hi On Members: Ms Dilys Chau*, Mr Antonio Chu*, Mr Anthony Hung*, Mr Lam Kin Lai* JP, Dr Law Cheung Kwok*, Mr Leung Fu Wah* BBS, MH, JP, Mr Martin Ma, Dr Barry Mak*, Mr Raymond Sit*, Dr Tony Tse*, Mr Simon Wo, Mr Peter Wong*, Mr Charles Yang* BBS, JP and Mr Freddy Yip Panel members: All members of the Committee, Mr Lau Kai Ming (Alternate: Ms Zhang Le), Mr Tong Kim Sang (Alternate: Mr Lam Yat Ho), Mr Tse Yun Sang (Alternate: Mr Huang Yi Liang), Mr Wong Wai Wing (Alternate: Mr Ringo Leung) and Ms Ann Yu (Alternate: Mr Yu Shui Fai)

Constitution/By-law Committee Terms of reference: To study and make recommendations on the M&As of the TIC and its Association Members Convenor: Mr Johnny K K Leung* Deputy Convenor: Mrs Gianna Hsu Members: Mr Antonio Chu*, Mr Ronnie Ho JP, Mr Anthony Hung*, 14

議會季刊二零一五年第一期 Council Bulletin 議會簡報

the Hon Ma Fung Kwok* SBS, JP, Mr Raymond Sit*, Mr Tommy Tam, Mr Warren Tong, Mr David Tsoi*, Mr Alvin Wong*, Mr Nathan Wong*, Mr Michael Wu MH, JP, the Hon Yiu Si Wing and Mr Ronnie Yuen Consumer Relations Committee Terms of reference: To assist in handling complaints filed by con- sumers against travel agents Convenor: Mrs Pamela Chan* BBS, JP Deputy Convenors: Mr Ginger Keung and Mr Johnny K K Leung* Members: Mr David Chau, Mr Kevin Cheung, Mr Josiah Chiu, Mr Choi Tak Tai, Dr Jennifer Chow* BBS, MH, Mr Teddy Chung, Mrs Gianna Hsu, Mr Ko Kam Cheung* BBS, MH, Ms Jenny Kong*, Mr Joe Lai*, Ms Alice Lam* MH, Mr Arthur Lam*, Ms Josephine Lam*, Mr Johnny Lee, Mr David Leung, Dr Leung Hip Hung*, Mr Ling Kam Man, Mr George Ng, Ms Sherry Tsai*, Mr David Tsoi*, Ms Cathy Wong and Ms Wendy Wu*

Directors’ Election Complaint Committee Terms of reference: To handle complaints concerning TIC Directors’ elections Convenor: Mr Ma Ho Fai* SBS, JP Members: Ms Dilys Chau*, Mr Leung Fu Wah* BBS, MH, JP, Mr Li Kwok Ying* BBS, MH, JP and Mr Charles Yang* BBS, JP

Electoral Affairs Committee Terms of reference: To handle complaints concerning TIC Directors’ elections Convenor: The Hon Ma Fung Kwok* SBS, JP Members: Mrs Pamela Chan* BBS, JP, Mr Antonio Chu*, Mrs Gianna Hsu, Mr Patrick Lam*, Mr Johnny K K Leung*, Mr Ling Kam Man, Mr Raymond Sit*, Mr Warren Tong and Mr David Tsoi*

Governance Committee Terms of reference: To review the operation of the TIC and to keep in view any review(s) of the TIC that may be conducted from time to time Convenor: Mr Michael Wu MH, JP Members: Mrs Pamela Chan* BBS, JP, Ms Dilys Chau*, Mrs Gianna Hsu, Mr Ginger Keung, Mr Leung Fu Wah* BBS, MH, JP, Mr Gary Leung,

The Voice of TIC No.1 / 2015 議會簡報 Council Bulletin

Mr Johnny K K Leung*, Mr Paul Leung, the Hon Ma Fung Kwok* SBS, JP, Mr Ma Ho Fai* SBS, JP, Mr Martin Ma, Mr Ng Hi On, Mr Raymond Sit*, Mr Warren Tong and Mr Jason Wong Ex-Officio Member: Miss Ann Chan*

Inbound Committee Terms of reference: To liaise with government departments concerning inbound traffic and tour operation Convenor: Mr Michael Wu MH, JP Members: Mr Peter Chan, Mr Roland Chan, Mr Ken Chang, Mr Cary Chiu, Mr Choi Pat Tai MH, Ms Iris Hau, Mr C S Kung, Mr Lam Kin Lai* JP, Mr Norman Leung, Mr Manuel Lo, Mr David Luk, Ms Daisie Sin, Mr Hazen Tang, Mr Edmund Tsang, Mr Ricky Tse, Dr Tony Tse*, Mr James Tung*, Mr Wong Wai Wing and Mr Steve Yip Ex-Officio Member: Ms Almaz Leung*

Mainland China Inbound Tour Affairs Committee Terms of reference: To formulate measures to regulate the operation of inbound tours from mainland China Convenor: Mr Paul Leung Members: Mr Chan Wai Chuen, Mr Peter Chui, Ms Fan Chau Wa, Mr Ho Chun Tung, Mr Kwong Kwok Wai* MH, Mr David Leung, Mr Leo Li, Mr Lie Chi Kwan, Mr Po Lap Wai, Ms Katie Poon*, Mr Sui Jiang, Mr Eddy Wong*, Mr Peter Wong*, Ms Wong Siu Him and Ms Gloria Wu Ex-Officio Members: Ms Almaz Leung* and Mr Ma Ho Fai* SBS, JP Membership Committee Terms of reference: To consider and approve TIC membership applications Convenor: Mr Warren Tong Members: Mr Jonathan Chan (Alternate: Mr Ginger Keung), Mr Charlie Foo (Alternate: Mr Cheung Sui Fong), Mr Kenneth Lam*, Dr Law Cheung Kwok*, Mr Nelson Law (Alternate: Mr Leo Li), Mr Harry Lee*, Mr Leung Fu Wah* BBS, MH, JP, Mr Anthony Lip (Alternate: Mr Tse Wai Ming), Mrs Stella Man, Mr Raymond Sit*, Mr Spencer Tai*, Mr Ricky Tse (Alternate: Mr Marco Kwan), Mr Ivor Wong (Alternate: Ms Gloria Choi) and Mr Ronald Wu (Alternate: Mr Jason Shum)

議會季刊二零一五年第一期 Council Bulletin 議會簡報

Outbound Committee Terms of reference: To make recommendations to the Board on all matters relating to the outbound travel industry Convenor: Mrs Gianna Hsu Members: Ms Carmen Chan, Mr Chan Chung Hoi, Mr Denny Chan, Ms Dannia Cheung, Mr Michael Fung, Ms Eileen Ho, Mr Lester Hui, Mr Kwan Kai Kow, Mr Joseph Lam, Mr Alex Lee, Ms Lanny Leung, Mr William Leung, Mr Curry Mok, Mr George Ng, Ms Maria Ng, Mr Oris Or, Mr Johnny So, Mr Kenny Tsang, Mr Simon Wo, Mr Wong Kwok Man, Mr Raymond Wong, Mr C N Yuen, Mr Takky Yuen and Mr Ricky Zee Ex-Officio Member: Miss Ann Chan*

Public Relations Committee Terms of reference: To promote cooperation with tourism organisa- tions in various places, and to enhance members’ and the public’s understanding of the TIC Convenor: Mr Ng Hi On Members: Mr Chan Mang June, Mr Iamon Cheng, Mr Albert Cheung, Mr Tony Chong, Mr Joey Chow, Mr Chu Pak Tung, Mr Charlie Foo, Mr Marco Kwan, Ms Winnie Lam, Mr Kelvin Law, Ms Tiffany Lee, Mr Norman Leung, Mr Anthony Lip, Mr Manuel Lo, Mr David Luk, Ms Eliza Ma, Mr Marco Ma, Mr Benny Ng, Mr Roy Ng, Mr Oris Or, Ms Tara Siu, Ms Grace Tsang, Mr Jackson Wong and Ms Zhang Wen

Publication Committee Terms of reference: To oversee the publication of The Voice of TIC Convenor: Mr Ginger Keung Members: Ms Janet Chan, Mr Jonathan Chan, Ms Cheng Yuk Ling, Mr Tony Chong, Mr Lester Hui, Mr Brandon Lau, Mr Desmond Lee, Ms Rosanna Leung, Mr Li Pui Hum, Mr Steve C M Sy, Mr Tai Yun Lam, Mr John Tam, Mr Edmund Tsang, Mr Wong Hon Leung, Mr Ricky Wong, Mr Sunny Wong, Ms Yeung Oi Kwan and Mr Spy Yeung Ex-Officio Member: Mr Michael Wu MH, JP

Staff and Finance Committee Terms of reference: To prepare and review budgets, and to formulate human resources policy of the TIC Convenor: Ms Dilys Chau*

The Voice of TIC No.1 / 2015 議會簡報 Council Bulletin

Deputy Convenor: Mr Ma Ho Fai* SBS, JP Members: Mr Johnny K K Leung*, Mr Paul Leung, Mr Martin Ma, Mr Raymond Sit*, Mr Jason Wong and Mr Michael Wu MH, JP

Ticketing Committee Terms of reference: To handle all matters in relation to the operation of ticketing agents Convenor: Mr Gary Leung Members: Ms Lily Agonoy, Mr Francis Bagaman, Ms Loretta Butt, Mr Daniel Chan, Mr Dick Chan, Mr Temmy Chan, Mr Danny Cheung, Mr Sedgewick Cheung, Ms Joyce Fung, Ms Barbara Ho, Mr Paul Ho, Mr Benny Lee, Mr Andrew Leung JP, Mr David Leung, Mr Fred Leung, Ms Lanny Leung, Mr Larry Lo, Mr Roy Ng, Mr Jason Shum, Ms Tara Siu, Mr Jonathan Wong, Mr Ricky Wong and Mr Rudolf Yick

Tourist Guide and Tour Escort Deliberation Committee Terms of reference: To consider Tourist Guide Pass / Tour Escort Pass applications or renewal applications that require special deliberation, and to handle cases where Pass holders are suspected to be involved in such specified situations as making false statements and having been convicted of a criminal offence Convenor: Mr Leung Fu Wah* BBS, MH, JP Deputy Convenors: Mr Martin Ma and Mr Charles Yang* BBS, JP Members: Mr Cheung Kwok Wo*, Mr Chow Kwok Ying*, Mr Fung Yuk Fung*, Mr Jonathan Ho*, Mr Stanley Ho*, Mr Barry Kai*, Mr Kwong Kwok Wai* MH, Mr Lam Kin Lai* JP, Ms Loretta Lam, Mr Lam Yat Ho (Alternate: Mr Tong Kim Sang), Mr Lau Kai Ming (Alternate: Mr Leung Kai Tai), Mr Lau Kar Wah*, Ms Lolanda Law, Mr Ringo Leung (Alternate: Mr Nelson Law), Mr Ng Lap Yan, Mr Tse Yun Sang (Alternate: Mr Huang Yi Liang), Mr Peter Wong* and Mr Yu Shui Fai (Alternate: Ms Ann Yu)

Training Committee Terms of reference: To organise training courses for agency staff Convenor: Mr Jason Wong Members: Mr Brendan Au*, Mr Ken Chang, Mr Daniel Cheung*, Ms Jasminia K Cheung*,

議會季刊二零一五年第一期 Council Bulletin 議會簡報

Mr Choi Pat Tai MH, Ms Billie Chow*, Mr Antonio Chu*, Mr Chris Hui, Mr Brandon Lau, Ms Lolanda Law, Ms Rosanna Leung, Mr Larry Lo, Mr Rex Luk, Ms Keller Mak, Ms Shadow Mak, Mr Samson Pang, Ms Priscilla Poon*, Mr Terence Tang*, Mr Eddie Tsang, Mr Derek Tse, Dr Tony Tse*, Ms Josephine Wong and Mr Wong Wai Wing

(*Non-trade members)

Although the Occupy movement was over in mid-December last year, its impact on the trade has started to be shown in statistics. Fully understanding members’ difficulties, the Board decided to refund the membership subscription collected for the year 2014/2015 to all those members that had paid the subscription for the year and remained a member on 30 November 2014. The refund cheques were sent out last February.

In a bid to help members recruit suit- able staff, the TIC participated in the Career Day 2015 organised by the School of Hotel and Tourism Man- agement (SHTM), The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) on 13 March at the PolyU campus. A booth was set up by the TIC, and information sheets of 230 job vacancies from 19 travel agents were distributed to SHTM students. Six members made use of the TIC booth at specific time slots to meet students directly.

During the Lunar New Year holidays, there were news reports that mainland visitors were compelled to shop and had disputes with their tourist guides. The Customs and Excise Department has written to the TIC to express its concern, stating that travel agents or tourist guides assigned by them may breach the Trade Descriptions Ordinance if they commit aggressive commercial practices. For the letter from the Cus- toms and a leaflet on the conduct of professional tourist guides, please go to the “Latest News” section of the TIC’s website (www.tichk.org).

The Voice of TIC No.1 / 2015