HKTB removes Three Merchants from Quality Tourism Services Scheme

The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) confirmed Friday that the following merchants are now no longer accredited merchants under its Quality Tourism Services (QTS) scheme:

Choice Upstairs Bird’s Nest Limited
Golden Swallow Group Ltd
Number One Upstairs Bird’s Nest Limited

The decision on the termination was made by the QTS Sub-Committee on the ground that the above-mentioned merchants failed to comply with Section 7g(v) of the QTS scheme rules, which provides that QTS merchants should not infringe 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 27 July of the termination.

Each of the above three merchants placed notices in major newspapers on 25 July 2007, admitting that they have infringed the trade mark 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, 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.

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