31st March 2023 – (Hong Kong) The tourism industry in Hong Kong is slowly recovering with Mainland tourists returning to the city’s streets and attractions. However, recent reports of Mainland tourists participating in unorthodox activities such as eating instant noodles beside public restrooms at Repulse Bay and standing to eat two-course meals in the streets of To Kwa Wan have shocked the local community. These incidents have sparked outrage on social media, not only from Hong Kong residents but also from mainland Chinese citizens.
Many mainland Chinese netizens have taken to social media to express their concerns and criticise budget tour companies that they believe are targeting elderly tourists. They have accused these companies of taking advantage of the “saving mentality” and “reluctance to spend money” common among the older generation and using low tour prices to lure them into joining tours where they are mistreated and neglected.
Some netizens have also urged the elderly not to participate in these types of tours and instead to spend more on quality tours to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience. They have called on tour companies to treat elderly tourists with more respect and kindness, instead of exploiting them for profit.
However, some netizens have argued that not all elderly tourists are poor, and some are simply looking for a bargain. They claim that as long as the tour companies are transparent and not engaging in unethical practices, it is a “buyer beware” situation.
This controversy highlights the importance of ethical tourism and the need for tour companies to prioritise the well-being of their customers, particularly the elderly who may require more care and attention. While budget tours may be appealing to some, it is vital that they are conducted in a responsible and ethical manner that respects the dignity of all tourists involved.
Meanwhile, the Travel Industry Authority is planning to collect data on tour group fees for Mainland Chinese tourists visiting Hong Kong within a month, and is considering regulating or even banning low-cost tours. It is understood that the government has not yet made a decision on regulating or banning low-cost Mainland Chinese tours to Hong Kong.