HKTB Terminates Travel Merchant Credentials

The Hong Kong Tourism Board says that it has revoked the credentials from three some merchants under the Quality Tourism Services scheme.

The three companies listed by HKTB are Choice Upstairs Bird's Nest Limited, Golden Swallow Group Limited, and Number One Upstairs Bird's Nest Limited

The decision on the termination was made by the QTS Sub-Committee on the grounds that the three merchants failed to comply with Section 7g(v) of the QTS scheme rules, which provides that QTS merchants should not infringe upon any intellectual property rights. In accordance with the established proceedings of the QTS scheme, the QTS Secretariat has already notified the merchants in writing on July 27 of the termination.

According to HKTB, each of the three merchants placed notices in major newspapers on July 25, 2007, admitting that they have infringed the trademark of Hing Kee Java Edible Bird's Nest Co Ltd.

Launched by the HKTB in 1999, the QTS scheme aims to enhance the tourism service standards by encouraging retail and dining merchants, and operators of visitor accommodation to provide quality services to visitors.  The QTS scheme certification is valid for one year and is subject to renewal on an annual basis, unless there are reasons to terminate or suspend certification before the expiry.

To uphold the quality assurance of the scheme, HKTB says a comprehensive system is in place to assess, monitor and evaluate the service quality of merchants accredited under the scheme and to handle complaints against the QTS merchants.