Travel agencies are 'helpless' when tours are canceled and face great difficulties amid the red alert concerning incoming tourists. More than 10 agencies held an emergency meeting with the Travel Industry Council and tourism sector lawmaker Yiu Si-wing yesterday. Wong said travel agencies are "helpless" as they lose their deposits to airlines, hotels and tour operators when they cancel tours. The travel sector also demanded that the government provide a subsidy from the anti-epidemic fund to travel agencies' staff - including tour escorts - who face severely affected incomes. They asked the government to urge property owners to reduce rents for travel agencies.

Source: The Standard March 11, 2020 19:07 UTC