'Singapore Travel Bubble Will Only Benefit A Few'

Representatives of the tourism sector on Friday welcomed the government's proposed travel bubble with Singapore, but said it would only benefit a small number of people.

Tourism sector lawmaker Yiu Si-wing told RTHK's Millennium programme that he welcomed the plans, and that he hoped the travel bubble would be implemented within the next few weeks.

But Yiu said that if it goes ahead, the government should relax the social gathering restriction of no more than four people, saying it would be impossible to organise package tours to the Lion City if the cap remains.

He said the plans are attractive for those who need to visit Singapore for business and family reasons.

Yiu said the Covid-19 tests required under the plan could cost as much as HK$2,000, and that this would come on top of other travel-related expenses. He said the cost could deter general travellers from going for a trip to Singapore.

Also appearing on the same radio programme was Hong Kong Association of Travel Agents chairman Freddy Yip, who agreed that the plan will be most appealing to those who need to go to Singapore for business, or want to visit relatives there.

Yip said the news was not particularly exciting for them, because people nowadays go to Singapore on their own, without a tour group.

But, Yip said that he hoped the bubble could be implemented as soon as possible, and that the next step would be to reach similar agreements with Thailand, Japan, and South Korea.

Meanwhile Singapore Tourism Board’s greater China executive director, Juliana Kua, welcomed the new arrangement, saying they are ready to welcome Hongkongers to the Lion City.

"Both cities will have the necessary protocols in place to safeguard the health and well-being of all travellers," she said in a statement.