Research & Development on the Hospitality and Tourism Industry
The FHKHO has adopted a dynamic, practical approach to the future development of the hotel industry. To protect the interests of hotel owners, the FHKHO is quick to point out and correct any misleading media reports.
The FHKHO is dedicated to helping its members keep abreast of the latest developments in the industry providing members the advice and assistance on all matters relating to government regulations. From time to time, the FHKHO has provided members with analyses and research reports of selected topics, which will help them to paint a clearer picture of their investment. Research reports indeed are an excellent channel to communicate with the government. The FHKHO's list of research reports is as follows:
1. "Hong Kong Hotel Market Position Paper"in 1995.
2. "Turning the tide, Catching the Wave" in 1998.
3. “Study Report on the Interpretation of back-of-the-house area of a hotel and its implication to PNAP 111 “Hotel Concession” issued by Buildings Department”in 1998.
4. "Hong Kong Travel Agency Overview"in 1999.
5. "Redevelopment of Aberdeen Wholesale Fish Market and Lamma Island Study"in 1999.
6. Tourism Revival Recommendations 1999.
7. "Proposal to Establish a Hotel Classification System for Hong Kong"in 2000.
8. "Hong Kong’s Hotel Industry Challenging Year"in 2003.
9. "Hong Kong Hotel Room Rates Study"in 2003.
10. "Tour Operator Agreement for China Group"in 2004.
11. "A Quantum leap in Tourism"in 2004.
12. "Manpower Shortage at Operative Level of the Hotel Industry in Hong Kong"in 2005.
13. "Hong Kong Exhibition Industry--Opportunities & Challenges"in 2005. |
Improving Business Environment
Safeguarding the interests of hotel owners is the top priority of the FHKHO. The FHKHO is committed to promoting a better business environment and the communication between the government and the industry. The followings are some examples.
Since 1991 the FHKHO has helped to streamline the operation of the hotel licensing scheme. For example, it made recommendations to the government to simplify the licensing procedures and cut the license fee by at least 30%-50%.
Since 1994 the FHKHO has also succeeded in reducing the rateable value through collective appeal. This alleviated members of the trouble of undergoing individual revaluations and consequently raised members' bargaining power with government departments. The government also welcomed the industry to make a collective appeal so that its administration workload could be reduced.
In 1998 the FHKHO urged the government to reduce the Hotel Accommodation Tax from 5% to 3% in. This indeed not only helped hotel owners save hundreds of thousands tax payment, but also enhanced the competitiveness of Hong Kong hotel industry.
From 1995-2000 the FHKHO worked with related trade organisations on acquiring concessions of TES (Sewage Charges).
Similarly, from 1998-2002 the FHKHO also joined force with other trade partners to press the government to review the unfair terms in the Copyright Ordinance. The Executive Director of the FHKHO was the convenor of the Concern Group.
In 2001 Hong Kong Federation of Trade Unions claimed statutory holidays and annual leave payment for hotel casual workers. Under the leadership and advice of the FHKHO, affected hotels won the case overwhelmingly in Labour Tribunal. The FHKHO also issued “guidelines” including keeping proper record for casual workers and observing strictly the 4.18 Rule for hotels to follow.
In 2004 the FHKHO was successful in urging the Administration to tighten control on unlicensed/ illegal guesthouses and bogus short-lease accommodation.
In 2005-2006 the FHKHO formed a working group to follow the re-zoning policy for hotel development projects by non-profit-making organizations.
In 2005-2006 the FHKHO submitted letters to the relevant authorities regarding streamlining the licensing process especially for hotel SPA, liquor license and restaurant license. The trade fully supports such actions.
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| In 2008-2009, FHKHO submitted letters to the relevant authorities to raise consolidated opinions from hotel trade regarding proposed “10 Hotel Use Only Sites” on a pilot basis in the Land Application List.
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| In 2008-2009, relevant authorities called out a meeting to consult FHKHO on Mandatory Implementation on Building Energy Codes (BEC). Follow up actions are underway.
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| In 2009-2010, concerning the impact on hotel business brought by financial crisis and swine flu, the Federation reminded Members’ hotels to lodge an individual appeal on hotel ratable value 2009/10 to Rating and Valuation Department (RVD) before statutory deadline in case of necessary. The Federation also represents Members’ hotels to lodge a collective appeal and the consultancy service is free of charge for hotels. The result of collective appeal will be released by RVD in November, 2009 and individual hotel can make appeal to relevant department if it is dissatisfied with the appeal result. Formal appeal procedure and stages of collective appeal can refer to the documentation attached below.
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the FHKHO has kept on making suggestions or opposing to obsolete or unfair government policies , the successful cases could not be counted.
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