How the government plans to facilitate tourism industry recovery

It has committed to expanding business operations amidst COVID-19 containment.

The Hong Kong Government aims to open more room for businesses to operate whilst containing the spread of the epidemic to enable the gradual resumption of inbound travellers “in an orderly manner.”

Kevin Yeung, secretary for Culture, Sports, and Tourism, said in a reply to the Legislative Council that the government prioritises the reduction of restrictions and measures whilst ensuring proper management risks.

Some of the rules it implemented were the lifting of inbound mandatory quarantine on 26 September and the compulsory nucleic acid testing requirement on Day 4 and Day 6 after arriving from overseas or Taiwan starting 21 November.

Hong Konga has also allowed travellers to enter tourist attractions including theme parks, museums and temples when holding an Amber Code since last Thursday, and launched specific arrangements for inbound tour groups, including meals in private rooms in restaurants as groups starting last Friday.

Relevant travellers would only need to undergo one COVID-19 nucleic acid test on the day of arrival if the group will only stay for not more than four days.

He added that the government is also working on resuming normal cross-boundary travel with the Mainland, including discussion with issues such as the pre-departure quarantine proposal and compassionate quotas for travelling to Shenzhen.

“The Government will continue to closely monitor the epidemic situation and maintain communication with the trade, with a view to preparing for the recovery of tourism industry,” Yeung said.