Officials optimistic about its tourism
IAN STALKER
Hong Kong, a destination that has been more cautious than most during the pandemic about allowing visitors in, is once again putting out the welcome mat for tourists in a major way.
Hong Kong has lifted all previously mandatory PCR test requirements for overseas travellers upon their arrival in the Asian destination. Also eliminated is the Vaccine Pass, which allowed visitors access to specified premises.
Overseas travellers to Hong Kong are now only required to present negative PCR test results conducted within 48 hours or rapid antigen tests done within 24 hours of their flights to Hong Kong. The changes went into effect Dec. 29 and marked a continuous easing of entry guidelines, with mandatory three-day quarantines for overseas visitors removed in September.
The revised guidelines were applauded at a Jan. 19 Hong Kong Tourism Board gathering in Toronto marking the Chinese New Year, with tourism board officials speaking optimistically about Hong Kong’s tourism prospects.
“Hong Kong is back,” said Jorge Lee of the tourism board’s Toronto office.
Michael Lim, who oversees the tourism board in this country, in turn said his office “is very excited” about the new state of affairs.
Hong Kong’s tourism infrastructure hasn’t stagnated during the pandemic, Lim added, citing the likes of new hotels and attractions, and transportation enhancements.
“Did you know that there were more restaurants open than closed during the pandemic?” he said. “Even returning visitors will see new travel experiences and attractions.”
Over 200 events that will appeal to visitors are planned for this year.
A global marketing campaign aimed at enticing travellers back has been decided upon and Lim said his office will work with the travel trade on new consumer packages.
Lisa Lau of Toronto-based Okushu Tours said Hong Kong’s keeping travel restrictions in place longer than most other destinations reflected its wanting to make sure “they were ready” to safely restart large-scale tourism.
Lau, a Hong Kong native who attended the Toronto event, said Hong Kong residents will be excited about the return of large numbers of tourists and be particularly welcoming. Lau has Hong Kong bookings made by people who haven’t been able to visit the destination in some time.
Meanwhile, Dr. Pang Yiu-kai, chairman of the Hong Kong Tourism Board, said in a statement that he’s upbeat about Hong Kong tourism.
“The new measures mark a key milestone for tourism revival and the full reopening of the tourism doors of Hong Kong,” he said. “Visitors can now fully enjoy Hong Kong’s diverse offerings once they arrive in town. We believe this will attract visitors to Hong Kong from around the world. Taking into account the pace of outbound travel resumption in different visitor source markets, HKTB will gradually step up its promotions worldwide to uphold Hong Kong’s status as a world-class travel destination.”
More information can be found at DiscoverHongKong.com.
