26th March 2023 – (Hong Kong)A group of mainland Chinese tourists were recently caught on camera eating instant noodles on the streets of Hong Kong, causing concern among local residents and sparking public outcry. The incident, which took place near Repulse Bay, saw several dozen tourists gathering around a public toilet, consuming their meals on the spot.
Images of the tourists’ unruly behaviour soon circulated online, with many Hong Kong netizens voicing their disapproval. Some critics argued that the incident was a public nuisance and a blight on the city’s image, while others pointed out that similar scenes involving foreign domestic helpers gathering to eat, sing, and dance were also common.
The Travel Industry Authority (TIA) has since addressed the issue, acknowledging the concerns raised by residents and promising to work with the industry to find practical solutions. In a meeting with key representatives from the tourism industry, TIA vowed to improve the management of inbound tour groups and their activities, including finding alternative dining venues and adjusting tour itineraries to minimise the impact on local communities.
The incident is the latest in a series of complaints about the behaviour of mainland Chinese tourists in Hong Kong. Over the past few years, the city has seen a surge in low-cost tour groups, which have been blamed for overcrowding popular attractions, causing traffic disruptions, and creating a strain on public resources.
Some locals have also accused these tour groups of being disrespectful towards Hong Kong’s culture and customs, with reports of tourists littering, spitting, and cutting in line. The situation has led to growing public discontent, with many calling for stricter regulation of the industry and a crackdown on unruly behaviour.
In response to these concerns, TIA has pledged to take a more proactive approach to managing the influx of visitors. TIA has announced plans to increase tourism infrastructure and develop more sustainable travel options, while also stepping up efforts to promote responsible tourism and educate visitors about local customs and etiquette.
