Let's Rekindle Our Interest In HK: Tourism Board

The Hong Kong Tourism Board is to launch a campaign next month to encourage locals to visit the SAR's attractions and shops to "rekindle" people's interest in the city.

The board will publish suggested itineraries and publicise deals from businesses on its website.

Executive director Dane Cheng said despite the economic problems and rising unemployment rate, this is the perfect time for Hongkongers to explore the SAR.

"The epidemic situation has been under control, let's go out and support our economy, going out and rediscovering the hidden gems of Hong Kong," he said.

"It's also a time when a lot of the visitors still can't come into Hong Kong, so let's be our own tourists. Let's rediscover and rekindle our interest in this place."

Cheng said the board will also continue to promote the message to overseas travellers that Hong Kong has been successful in combating the coronavirus pandemic, so they will be encouraged to visit the SAR as soon as the border restrictions are relaxed.

Asked whether he’s worried that the new national security law coming from Beijing will trigger street protests and drive away potential tourists, Cheng said he thinks foreigners are more concerned about the Covid-19 pandemic.

Over the May "Golden Week" holiday period, pro-democracy activists also encouraged people to go out and spend money at local businesses, but only those in the so-called "yellow economy". The campaign was met with strong criticism by Beijing officials who claimed it violated free market principles.