HK needs diversified source markets, tourism rep says
The Travel Industry Council (TIC) said Hong Kong must work to expand its visitor source markets, while leveraging on Beijing's visa-free transit policy to strengthen its role as a travel gateway to the mainland. TIC chairman Tommy Tam noted the SAR is already benefiting from the relaxation of visa-free entry rules for transit passengers, which took effect last year. Under the refined policy,…
Hong Kong is being urged by its tourism industry to diversify its visitor source markets, according to a representative of the Travel Industry Council (TIC). Chairman Tommy Tam emphasized the importance of expanding the city's ties to the mainland, leveraging Beijing's new visa-free transit policy for visitors from 55 countries.
This policy allows transit passengers to stay in China for up to 10 days, compared to the previous three or six days, and requires entry and exit through specific ports, including the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge and the West Kowloon high-speed rail station. Tam also highlighted the city's high-speed rail network as a key driver of inbound tourism, particularly as it expands beyond the Greater Bay Area (GBA).
While maintaining its focus on mainland visitors, Tam stressed the need to engage long-haul markets and diversify into Belt and Road regions, especially the Middle East, ASEAN, and Central Asia. He stressed the importance of encouraging longer stays in Hong Kong, given its unique blend of culture, sports, and natural beauty. These suggestions were among a series of proposals submitted to the government as it drafts the city's first five-year tourism plan and policy address.
Written by urgent.news from RTHK English's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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