Hong Kong's Tourism Board Comes Under Fire After Giving Seal of Approval to Stores Engaged in Ivory Trade

Feb 06, 2016 12:30 PM EST

Young boys carving ivory for the tourist trade at a shop in Hong Kong.

(Photo : Getty Images) Following Hong Kong leader's announcement to ban ivory trade, NGO WildAid Hong Kong found two stores engaged in ivory trade have received approval from the Quality Tourism Services Association (QTSA).

NGO WildAid Hong Kong revealed last week that at least two stores suspected of dealing ivory products were given memberships by the Quality Tourism Services Association (QTSA). This comes weeks after Hong Kong leader Leung's announced a ban ivory trade in the city.

The QTSA has been under fire since Jan. 30 after it approved the membership of two stores, reported Hong Kong Free Press (HKFP). This move is particularly critical as it happens after Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying's policy address about ivory trade.

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Alex Hofford, a member of WildAid Hong Kong expressed his disappointment towards QTSA, saying that it is certainly not appropriate for any Hong Kong government department or agency to promote the local ivory industry now that Hong Kong has agreed to get rid of the local ivory trade.

The two stores were identified as Star Company in Central and Foochow Lacquer Company in Kowloon. It is still unknown when the two stores became members of the QTSA or when they started engaging in ivory trade.

Memberships are given to stores which represent the QTSA mission statement of "high ethical standards and enhancing customer satisfaction."

When HKFP reached out to QTSA for comments, they said that they are already discussing the issue with WildAid Hong Kong. Meanwhile, HKFP asked Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) if they will punish the stores selling illegal ivory products in the future, they answered that investigation will be needed to learn more about the case before any sanction will be imposed.

Given this development, WildAid Hong Kong has said it is glad to know that QTSA is looking into the issue. The group said it is looking forward to HKTB's actions to stop endorsing ivory trade. It still unclear where the tourism board will start in targeting ivory trading stores following the chief executive's call to ban ivory sales.

TagsHong Kong leader Leung, ban ivory trade, Quality Tourism Services Association, WildAid Hong Kong, Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying, Star Company, Foochow Lacquer Company, Hong Kong Tourism Board