In order to establish and promote Hong Kong as Asia's premier international city and a world-class destination for leisure and business visitors, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government established the Tourism Commission in May 1999. The Commission's main responsibility is to formulate policies on tourism development, and co-ordinate implementation of tourism projects and initiatives in consultation with the industry and relevant government departments and agencies.
The Travel Industry Ordinance (Cap. 634), which seeks to provide a statutory framework for regulating the tourism industry of Hong Kong, has taken effect in full on 1 September 2022. The Travel Industry Authority (TIA) established in accordance with the Travel Industry Ordinance is responsible for implementing the licensing and regulatory duties in relation to travel agents, tour guides and tourist escorts, and managing the Travel Industry Compensation Fund. The Tourism Commission is responsible for housekeeping the TIA. Through the regulatory works, our aim is to enhance the professionalism of the trade, and thereby striving to protect the rights of travellers, enhance the reputation of Hong Kong as a tourist-friendly city and promote long-term health development of the industry.
To fulfil its mission systematically, the Commission needs to ensure that tourism receives proper recognition as one of the major sectors of the economy, with the tourism industry, the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) and the TIA working in harmony, and bringing in the community at large.