Hong Kong Travel Agency Shut Down For Forcing Tourists to Shop

A Hong Kong travel agency has been permanently shut down after its tour guide forced mainland Chinese visitors to shop. The Travel Industry Authority revoked the license of Star Link Travel Limited on Monday. The action followed an investigation into four separate cases involving one guide from the agency. Investigators found that between January and March, the company failed to take all reasonable steps to prevent the guide from pressuring tourists into making purchases. The authority stated this conduct seriously damaged Hong Kong's reputation as a tourist destination. License revocation is the most severe penalty available to the regulator. The authority warned it has zero tolerance for such practices and will continue rigorous enforcement to protect visitors.