One of the world’s top destinations has loosened its travel restrictions.
The South China Morning Post said that, starting today (Dec. 14), Hong Kong will scrap an amber health code that currently bans travellers who test negative from entering certain places of business, such as restaurants, within three days of arriving in the city.
BNN Bloomberg said some curbs still remain, including the need for PCR tests for visitors arriving in Hong Kong.
“The new arrangements marks the opening of the tourism doors of Hong Kong,” Dr. Pang Yiu-kai, chairman of the Hong Kong Tourism Board, said in a statement. “Upon fulfilling the vaccination and COVID-19 test requirements, visitors can now enjoy Hong Kong’s full range of diverse and exciting experiences, including our culinary offerings.
“We expect that the new measures will stimulate travellers interests in visiting Hong Kong,” he said.
The rules are somewhat complicated, but it’s a major step forward for tourism in Hong Kong.
The Hong Kong Tourism Board this week brought 60 Southeast Asia travel trade representatives to show off the region’s many offerings. They’ve also announced a major tourism campaign.
HKTB’s three strategies for bringing back visitors
1. Rolling out global promotional campaign “Hello Hong Kong”
* HKTB will launch a global promotional campaign “Hello Hong Kong” to showcase Hong Kong’s iconic tourism appeals and new experiences, sending out the message that different sectors in the city stand together to warmly welcome visitors to Hong Kong.
* HKTB will invite hundreds of industry representatives, travel trade media, KOLs and Hong Kong Super Fans from around the world to visit the city in person and experience the city for themselves. For example, a group of directors from Southeast Asia will be invited to Hong Kong to make microfilms to showcase Hong Kong’s charms.
* HKTB will join hands with the travel trade to participate in overseas trade shows to tell the good Hong Kong stories through tourism.
2. Showering visitors with hospitality treats and a wide range of offers
* A series of hospitality treats, such as special welcome drinks, will be provided to visitors arriving in Hong Kong in the first month of the campaign. About 100 restaurant and bar partners are expected to participate. Other hospitality treats will also be available.
* HKTB will partner with various sectors, including airlines, tour operators, and hotels to offer various treats to continuously drum up visitors’ intention to come to Hong Kong.
* Support the Airport Authority and airlines, especially in overseas promotions, in free air tickets giveaway.
3. Staging and supporting an exciting line-up of mega events
* HKTB will continue to organise an exciting line-up of mega events, including events that are specially designed for visitors, to showcase Hong Kong’s return to the international stage, generate positive word-of-mouth for Hong Kong and strengthen the city’s visibility around the world.
* More than 200 events and happenings are confirmed to be staged in Hong Kong in 2023.
* More than 100 large-scale MICE events will also be staged in town in 2023.
