Travel agencies tout Huanggang Port tours, but security chief urges later visits
Some Hong Kong travel agencies are offering tours featuring “five-minute clearance” at the revamped Huanggang Port when it opens on Monday, but the security chief has urged those who do not need to use the crossing immediately to delay their visits. Three days before the port’s official opening, the South China Morning Post on Friday found a number of tour packages advertised on social media that…
Recent Hong Kong travel agencies are promoting tours that include access to the newly renovated Huanggang Port, which is set to open on October 12. However, the security chief has advised individuals who do not require immediate use of the port to postpone their visits. Three days prior to the port's official opening, the South China Morning Post discovered several tour packages being advertised on social media, highlighting the revamped border checkpoint as an enticing addition to trips to mainland China.
One such advertisement by Sino Step Travel Services on Facebook boasted, "Early access to the Huanggang Port for a brand new clearance experience!" Since the government announced the port's opening time of 6:30 am, there has been a surge in inquiries and bookings, with many residents keen to experience the "five-minute clearance" feature.
The tour operator, Big Line Holiday, began preparing tours through the new checkpoint in early September and began selling short-haul trips to Guangdong for around HK$1,000 to HK$2,000. The first tour sold out within two to three hours of being made available. With 10 groups departing on Monday, each featuring around 40 people, primarily older travelers, the company has trained its staff to emphasize the new Huanggang checkpoint as the main selling point, boasting a "joint inspection" system that expedites clearance.
The sales director expressed gratitude towards the tour members who found the two-border, two-check system at the old Huanggang checkpoint inconvenient due to luggage transfers and bus changes. The Secretary for Security, Chris Tang Ping-keung, confirmed that authorities have provided additional manpower and contingency plans to manage potential surges in passenger numbers due to the port's increased popularity.
He acknowledged that some tour groups might linger longer to take additional photos upon initial opening, which is understandable. However, Tang urged those without a pressing need to consider experiencing the facility at a later time and cautioned that failing to clear customs promptly upon entering the building might be considered a legal violation.
Written by urgent.news from South China Morning Post - Hong Kong's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
