Establishment of TIA

Established in January 2020, the Travel Industry Authority (TIA) is a statutory regulatory body established under the Travel Industry Ordinance (Cap. 634) (Ordinance). It is primarily responsible for the licensing and regulation of travel agents, tourist guides and tour escorts. TIA is also responsible for promoting the integrity, competence and professionalism of the travel industry practitioners and regulating shops that inbound tour groups are arranged to patronise. In addition, it will also be responsible for managing the Travel Industry Compensation Fund which provides protection for outbound travellers purchasing outbound packages.

Members of TIA are appointed by the Chief Executive in accordance with the Ordinance. TIA is to consist of the Chairman, the Vice-chairman (the Commissioner for Tourism) and not more than 28 ordinary members from various sectors of Hong Kong.

With the implementation of the new regulatory regime under the Ordinance, TIA will take over the regulatory and licensing functions from the Travel Industry Council of Hong Kong and Travel Agents Registry.