Hong Kong to step up crackdown on coerced shopping, scams during Labour Day ‘golden week’
980K mainland visitors expected, hotel occupancy over 90% – enforcement ramps up.
Hong Kong is intensifying its crackdown on coerced shopping, unlicensed tour guides, and unfair sales practices targeting visitors during mainland China's Labour Day 'golden week,' according to Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism Rosanna Law Shuk-pui. Speaking on Saturday, Law revealed that hotel occupancy rates in the city are expected to exceed 90% during the holiday period, with an estimated 980,000 mainland visitors arriving—a 7% increase compared to the same holiday last year.
Law emphasized that the travel industry is a vital part of Hong Kong's economy, providing reliable income and employment opportunities. She called on the public to 'cherish our travel reputation' and warned that authorities would not allow anyone to exploit the strong recovery for illicit acts. The Travel Industry Authority will boost patrols to enforce against forced shopping and unlicensed tour guides during the May 1-5 holiday. Additionally, the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department will conduct patrols at countryside tourism hotspots for crowd management and to mitigate environmental impact.
- 980,000 mainland visitors expected during Labour Day golden week, up 7% from last year
- Hotel occupancy rates forecast to exceed 90% during the holiday period
- Travel Industry Authority to increase patrols against forced shopping, unlicensed guides, and unfair sales
Why It Matters
Protects Hong Kong's tourism reputation and visitor rights amid a strong post-pandemic recovery surge.