Since the outbreak of protests in mid-June, which have severely affected the tourism industry, some traders have indicated that the Government may make use of the Travel Industry Compensation Fund (TICF) to directly subsidise travel agents.

The TIC has asked the Tourism Commission about the use of the TICF and has been informed that “[m]aking payment out of the Fund for the purpose of subsidising the operation of the travel agents is not within the ambit of the TAO [Travel Agents Ordinance]”. Please click here for the document prepared by the Tourism Commission.