Module 2 - Professional Ethics

Question 1

According to the Directives for Licensees issued by the Tavel Industry Authority, tourist guides should observe which two principles when they accept service charges.

Answer 1

1. No Forced Service Charges: A licensed guide must not force participants of an inbound tour to pay service charges, show dissatisfaction, or provide poor service due to non-payment or underpayment.
2. Follow Travel Agent Rules: Guides must adhere to service charge policies set by their licensed travel agent and avoid using fraudulent methods to impose charges.

Question 2

According to the Directives for Licensees issued by the Travel Industry Authority, which three principles should tourist guides observe when handling confidential and personal information?

Answer 2

1. Protect Participant Privacy: A licensed guide must comply with the Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance (Cap. 486) and must not disclose participants’ personal data without their consent.
2. Maintain Confidentiality: Guides must not share confidential information from their travel agent without proper authorization.
3. Ensure Information Security: Guides must safeguard any sensitive information they access, possess, or manage, preventing misuse or unauthorized access.

Question 3

What is the definition of “Quality service” set out in the Directives for Licensees issued by the Travel Industry Authority?

Answer 3

1. Deliver Quality Service: A licensed guide must provide high-standard service as outlined in the itinerary.
2. Follow the Itinerary: The guide may not change the itinerary without the approval of both the participants and the travel agent.
3. Handle Changes Responsibly: In emergencies or special situations, the guide must first confirm changes with the travel agent and clearly explain the reasons to the participants.

Question 4

According to the Directives for Licensees issued by the Travel Industry Authority, tourist guides shall adhere to professional ethics, and there are ten points to note when receiving visitors. Give any four examples of such points to note.

Answer 4

When receiving an inbound tour group, a licensed tourist guide must:
1. Not smoke in front of the participants of the tour group and drink alcohol while at work;
2. Not gamble while at work;
3. Be punctual when performing every duty;
4. Provide the participants of the tour group with accurate information

Question 5

According to the Directives for Licensees issued by the Travel Industry Authority, there are ways through which tourist guides may help with the promotion of the development of the travel industry in Hong Kong. State any two such ways.

Answer 5

Two ways a licensed tourist guide may help with the promotion of the development of the travel industry in Hong Kong by:
1. Protecting the reputation of the travel industry in Hong Kong;
2. Acting as a tourism ambassador and actively promoting the travel industry in Hong Kong while at work to benefit the Hong Kong economy.

Question 6

State any three consumer rights, as set out in the Directives for Licensees issued by the Travel Industry Authority, which a tourist guide must ensure that members of an inbound tour group understand in relation to shopping trips.

Answer 6

A licensed tourist guide must ensure that the participants of an inbound tour group understand their consumer rights, which include
1. The right to make or not to make a purchase;
2. The right to obtain information on products and services;
3. The freedom to choose products and services;
4. The right to complain and request replacement or refund of their purchase(s).

Question 7

State any three principles governing self-paid activities for inbound tour groups as set out in the Directives for Licensees issued by the Travel Industry Authority.

Answer 7

1. A licensed tourist guide may only arrange self-paid activities approved by their travel agent.
2. Participants must not be forced to join self-paid activities and should be free to decide.
3. Before arranging a self-paid activity, the guide must clearly explain its details, costs, safety measures, and responsibilities.

Question 8

According to Section 2 of the Prevention of Bribery Ordinance (Cap. 201), what does “advantage” refer to? List any six examples.

Answer 8

“Advantage” means anything of value, including
1. Any gift (money and in-kind),
2. Any payment, loan, or liquidation of a loan,
3. Any reward,
4. Any commission,
5. Any office, employment or contract
6. Any other service and favour, etc., other than entertainment. Conflict of interest

Question 9

According to Section 2 of the Prevention of Bribery Ordinance (Cap. 201), what does “ entertainment “ mean?

Answer 9

Entertainment refers to providing food, drinks, and related activities for enjoyment at the same time and occasion.

Question 10

Under what circumstances can a tourist guide accept advantages without violating the Prevention of Bribery Ordinance (Cap. 201)?

Answer 10

If the “advantage” consists of “Entertainment”, meaning the provision of food or drink, for consumption on the occasion when it is provided.

Question 11

State any two types of penalties the Travel Industry Authority may impose on tourist guides who have violated a requirement under the Directives for Licensees.

Answer 11

1. Maximum fine
2. Imprisonment
3. Revoking of tour guide’s license

Question 12

Before assigning a licensed tourist guide to perform the duties, a licensed travel agent and the tourist guide must enter into a service agreement. Please state the three terms set out in the Directives for Licensees, which must be included in the agreement.

Answer 12

The service agreement must include the travel agent’s duties: The travel agent
1. must make payment of service remunerations to the tourist guide;
2. must not require the tourist guide to bear or unreasonably advance any payment for receiving an inbound tour group;
3. must not delay the reimbursement for any advance payment made by the tourist guide.