Firm slapped with 30-day ban over forced shopping

A company, Kaiser Jewellery International Limited, has been banned from receiving inbound tour groups for 30 days. The Travel Industry Authority issued the suspension on Tuesday, stating that the ban will be in effect from Wednesday to September 24. The firm, which is registered under the Administrative Scheme for Registered Shops for Inbound Tour Groups, sells items such as jewellery and clothing.

The authority found that the company did not prevent forced shopping involving mainland visitors in February, nor did it take appropriate measures to prevent unauthorized personnel from conducting promotional activities inside the shop. The watchdog emphasized that it has zero tolerance for forced shopping and any behavior that harms the reputation of Hong Kong’s tourism industry.

As a result, the authority ordered the shop's directors, managers, and all frontline staff to complete training courses within a month. It also engaged in exchanges with mainland authorities to enhance supervision. DAB lawmaker Nixie Lam welcomed the 30-day suspension, stating that any misconduct that damages tourists’ interests and harms Hong Kong’s image must be punished.

She stressed the importance for all shop owners and staff to understand that pressuring visitors or engaging in illegal acts is unacceptable.