HONG KONG - The Travel Industry Council (TIC) in Hong Kong is investigating the possibility of introducing strict guidelines for travel agents who book outbound tours which use local facilities.

Following the death of seven Hong Kong tourists aboard a boat in Manila Bay, the TIC and Hong Kong outbound travel agents called an urgent meeting on August 28.

The TIC's executive director, Mr Joseph Tung, said the body and travel agents want to introduce directives where agents will be required to compile detailed checks in the licensing, legality and safety areas of potential tours, their operators and facilities before issuing bookings.

"There are several issues we need to look at in the area of booking handled by agents and making sure they will meet the requirements we and travel agents feel are necessary," Mr Tung said.

"Travel agents have made it clear to us they are very concerned about this issue and want the matter treated as urgent."

Mr Richard Willis, chairman of the Hong Kong Association of Travel Agents (outbound and ticketing committee) and managing director of P&O Travel, welcomed the move but said any possible directives should not over-regulate Hong Kong's outbound industry.

"I definitely think notice should be brought to the attention of consumers that there may be some element of risk, but of a lot of activities have that," Mr Willis said.

"But I think we need to take a pragmatic approach and not go overboard with directives saying 'you can do this but you cannot do this'."