Govt To Build On Tourism Measures

In launching tourism initiatives, the Government shows Hong Kong's determination in overcoming the difficulties brought about by the epidemic. 

Secretary for Commerce & Economic Development Edward Yau made the remarks today as the exemption for licensed travel agents to organise local group tours of not more than 30 people under the group gathering restrictions came into effect.

“As regards the local tourism arrangement, we are finding all ways and means to bring back the space and opportunity for business to resume under the premise of safe and healthy arrangements, as well as to allow some normalcy in business.

“We cannot have a total lockdown. It will bring a detrimental effect to the economy both locally and globally. But at the same time, we cannot open our gate indiscriminately.

“So in the area of local tours which we introduced and implemented today, the exemption arrangement or the travel bubbles we are trying to establish with partners, we try to work within this balance for all.”

In addition to the local tour arrangement, Hong Kong has reached an agreement with Singapore to establish a travel bubble with a view to reviving air travel between the two places in a safe and progressive way.

“We emphasise a very strong COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction test to be conducted before and after departure. In place of that, we hope that we can do away with the more restrictive quarantine arrangements, allowing people to have more freedom in going around the city in a safe manner.”

The commerce chief added that in launching the two initiatives, the Government shows Hong Kong's determination in overcoming the difficulties brought about by the epidemic. 

“We will build on these travel bubbles, local tour exemptions and events like this (2020 Wine & Dine Festival) to demonstrate to the world that if there is a will, there is a way.

“In that regard, we need co-operation from both people in the trade, like the travel trade as well as the public who will continue to observe social distancing and maintain public health.”