The Travel Industry Council of Hong Kong (TIC) was informed today (31 January) by the Hunan Tourism Bureau and Guizhou Tourism Bureau that Hong Kong travellers are advised to go there on 5 February or after in order that itinerary arrangements for tour groups from Hong Kong can be satisfactorily made.

In view of that, the TIC requests members to cancel all package tours which depart for Changsha-Zhangjiajie and Guizhou province on 4 February or before in accordance with Directive No. 143. Participants of such tours may choose (1) to be refunded all the money paid (which includes tour fares, Airport Passenger Departure Tax, etc but excludes visa charges) after the deduction of a service fee of either HK$150 (for tours whose duration is five days or fewer) or HK$300 (for tours lasting for six or more days); and (2) to retain all the tour fares paid for six months without needing to pay any service fee.

The TIC will continue to closely monitor the situation, and update travel agents and travellers on the latest development. If travellers have run into any problem, they may contact the TIC for assistance.