Paul Chan: Future Bright For Resilient Tourism Trade

Financial Secretary Paul Chan on Tuesday tipped Hong Kong's tourist industry for a bright future, praising the trade's "resilience" during the pandemic and hailing the opportunities offered by the Greater Bay Area.

Speaking at the launch of Hong Kong Disneyland's new nighttime light show, Momentous, Chan said officials were still making the reopening of the mainland border a priority as they attempted to balance business with keeping the pandemic in check.

"Tourism has been among the hardest-hit sectors of our economy under the pall of the pandemic," Chan told an audience of industry leaders. "Which makes the innovative spirit of Hong Kong Disneyland, and the resilience of our travel trade in general, all the more remarkable.

"The government is keenly aware of the challenges the trade is facing. And we have been doing everything we can to encourage business, while containing Covid."

Chan said the administration had offered some $4.5 billion in support to the tourist sector during the pandemic, while the electronic consumption voucher scheme would also help.

"Rest assured, we will continue to put a priority in resuming normal, cross-boundary travel with the mainland," he added.

"But that's only a start. Down the road, the Greater Bay Area, and its market of more than 86 million consumers, will offer boundless promise for our tourism industry and the rich entertainment, culture and heritage resources we're blessed with."