HONG KONG: Tourist Killed After Refusing To Buy From Jewelery Shop In "Forced Shoping Tourism"

A Chinese tourist has died in Hong Kong a day after being beaten up during a so-called "forced shopping" tour.

Operators of such discounted tours try to recoup costs by pressuring tourists to buy goods at selected stores.

Police said the victim, 54, intervened when a fellow tourist got into a fight with a tour guide after refusing to buy anything at a jewellery shop.

At least four people have been arrested and the Hong Kong Tourist Board (HKTB) expressed regret over the incident.

"The HKTB has zero tolerance for any act that impacts the hospitable image of Hong Kong, particularly acts of violence," it said in a statement.

The victim, a male building contractor from north-east China, was found lying unconscious outside the shop in Kowloon on Monday morning.

He tried to mediate in a fight between two women - believed to be the tour leader and one of the tourists - before he and the female tourist were attacked by a group of men who dragged them onto the street and beat them, police said

The two women, aged 32 and 53, have been arrested, along with two men, one a 44-year-old Hong Kong resident and the other a 32-year-old mainlander. Police say they are still searching for two other suspects.
Growing resentment

On the mainland the man's death prompted calls for a boycott of travel to Hong Kong.

China has introduced measures aimed at stopping the practice of forced shopping, but they have had little effect.

Tensions between Hong Kongers and mainland Chinese have been rising as the number of mainland visitors has increased.

The visitors have driven a tourism boom - but local residents blame mainlanders for pushing up prices.

They also resent what they see as mainlanders' coarse behaviour, such as eating on the subway and blocking pavements with oversized suitcases.

China's National Tourism Administration has urged Hong Kong authorities to protect mainland tourists' rights.

HONG KONG: Hong Kong Tourist Board signs on for World Travel Award Asia & Australasia Gala Ceremony

The red carpet event will take place at the InterContinental Grand Stanford Hong Kong on October 29th, with hundreds of industry leaders from across the region expected to be in attendance.

World Travel Awards has welcomed Hong Kong Tourist Board as its latest partner for the upcoming Asia & Australasia Gala Ceremony 2015.

The red carpet event will take place at the InterContinental Grand Stanford Hong Kong on October 29th, with hundreds of industry leaders from across the region expected to be in attendance.

Discussing the decision to partner with World Travel Awards, Anthony Lau, Executive Director of Hong Kong Tourism Board, said: “We are very pleased that the organiser of the World Travel Awards has chosen Hong Kong for their 2015 Asia & Australasia Gala Ceremony."

“Through the years, Hong Kong has been recognised by different travel awards and has received numerous accolades for the world-class service and diverse, amazing experiences it provides for both leisure and business visitors."

“As a top travel destination in Asia and the world, it is indeed the perfect place to celebrate excellence in tourism.”

World Travel Awards Gala Ceremonies are widely regarded as the best networking opportunities within the travel and tourism industry, attended by government and industry leaders, luminaries, and international print and broadcast media.

Lau continued: “I do hope all the delegates will get a taste of what Hong Kong has to offer, especially its culinary brilliance, which is upheld in Hong Kong Wine & Dine Month, running from now through November."

“Do take this opportunity to enjoy the special discounts and programmes put together by restaurants, hotels and dining districts across the city."

“Finally, I wish the Gala Ceremony a great success and all the delegates a rewarding trip.”

Host venue InterContinental Grand Stanford Hong Kong is also busy putting the finishing touches to preparations.

General Manager, Alexander Wassermann, added: “InterContinental Grand Stanford Hong Kong is honoured to be Host Partner Venue for the prestigious World Travel Awards Asia & Australasia Ceremony 2015, celebrating the quality, performance and reputation of the best brands in tourism and hospitality with industry experts."

“The entire team looks forward to creating a memorable event, providing participants and awardees with a glimpse of Hong Kong’s traditions and diverse culture. We hope to present the finest culinary creations from East and West, as well as the best cultural performances."

“We look forward to hosting and presenting a memorable event to our global participants.”