'Diners Not Keen To Serve Amber Code Tourists'

A catering sector representative on Monday said most restaurants aren't keen on serving tourists with the amber health code due to concerns over cost-effectiveness.

Authorities announced earlier that tour group travellers with the amber status could dine at designated restaurants, which are required to abide by a number of rules, including arranging private rooms or enclosed venues for the visitors.

Simon Wong, president of the Hong Kong Federation of Restaurants, told RTHK that the sector isn’t expecting many tour groups to come to Hong Kong.

"We can't estimate the number of inbound group tours. If restaurants apply for the scheme and set a designated area for the tour groups, they can't serve other diners in that area. Some staff also have to specifically serve tour groups," he said.

"This increases unnecessary costs for restaurants, and it's very inconvenient. Not many restaurants are willing to join the scheme."

Wong added that Hong Kong is most famous for its food, and the restrictions will undoubtedly put some visitors off.

The head of the Travel Industry Council, Fanny Yeung, agrees that tourists will more likely be drawn to other places which have opened up further.

She told RTHK that two tour groups which arrived in Hong Kong from Thailand over the weekend had applied for the dining ban ease.