Real-name reservation trial set for Po Pin Chau visits

The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) announced a trial of a real-name reservation system for the Po Pin Chau trail in Sai Kung East Country Park. The aim is to curb overcrowding during peak holiday periods. The popular trail, stretching a kilometer, attracts many mainland visitors who visit during holidays.

The trial will run from September 5-27 and October 1-7, with a daily visitor limit of 2,000 split into four two-hour time slots of up to 500 people each. Booking is required for visits between 9am and 5pm on specific dates. Registration opens on the Klook platform every Monday at 11am for the following week's visits. Slots are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, with a maximum of five people per booking.

Electronic vouchers and identity cards are required on-site for verification. AFCD Director Mickey Lai defended the first-come-first-served system, stating it is fair and that personal data will be collected to prevent abuse. No-shows will not be penalized during the trial. AFCD Assistant Director Esther To assured that the department trusts Klook to detect and block suspicious activity, and that a review will follow the trial to determine the next steps.