Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu of Hong Kong expressed gratitude to the central authorities for their support in revitalising the local tourism industry. He announced plans to resume multiple-entry visas for Shenzhen residents and expand the "one-trip-per-week" visa scheme to cover more mainland cities. These measures are aimed at boosting visitor arrivals and reviving Hong Kong's tourism industry in the midst of a sluggish economy. Lee also promised to coordinate the implementation of these measures and inject new momentum into industries such as tourism, catering, and retail.
Hong Kong's Tourism Revival: Multiple-Entry Visas and Expanded One-Trip Visa Scheme
Hong Kong's Chief Executive, John Lee Ka-chiu, has expressed gratitude to the central authorities for their support in revitalizing the local tourism industry. The announcement follows a period of economic sluggishness in the city.
Background:
Hong Kong's tourism industry has been heavily impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent travel restrictions. In 2022, the city saw a 98% drop in visitor arrivals compared to pre-pandemic levels. This has had a significant impact on businesses in the tourism, catering, and retail sectors.
Support from Central Authorities:
The central authorities have recognized the importance of tourism to Hong Kong's economy and have taken measures to support its revival. These include:
New Measures:
To further boost visitor arrivals, the Hong Kong government has announced a number of new measures, including:
Expected Impact:
These measures are expected to have a positive impact on Hong Kong's tourism industry by:
Top 5 FAQs:
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