{
  "id": 16278582,
  "title": "Cross-border yacht scheme to shore up tourist spending",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/24/cross-border-yacht-scheme-to-shore-up-tourist-spending-16278582",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-24T04:18:16.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "RTHK News",
    "slug": "rthk-news",
    "url": "https://news.rthk.hk/rthk/en/component/k2/1875169-20261024.htm"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Transport and Logistics Secretary Mable Chan announced on Saturday that a new scheme easing cross-border yacht visits will boost tourist spending. Chan mentioned that the first batch of five mainland vessels entered Hong Kong last Friday via the southbound yacht scheme, staying for three to four days. Some of these yachts reserved hotel rooms in advance for their overnight stays, and those docking at Lantau Yacht Club could use their vessels as accommodation while also spending time onshore. Chan noted that some yachts visited Stanley and even headed to Central for shopping and visiting theme parks. To accommodate these yachts, yacht owners and masters must register an account with Hong Kong's Marine Department, with 32 accounts already set up. The government is also considering giving applicants with the ability to meet Hong Kong's needs a higher chance of securing ride-hailing service licenses, as the application period for these permits ends on October 30. If the number of applications exceeds the 10,000-permit cap, a lottery will be conducted. Chan emphasized that factors such as the ability to provide transport capacity, the applicant's commitment, and the length of time they have owned the vehicles will be taken into account during the licensing process. The government recently introduced a new combined written test for taxis and ride-hailing vehicles, and over 16,000 people have registered for the exam since its launch in early August, with a passing rate of over 60 percent.",
  "summary": "Secretary for Transport and Logistics Mable Chan on Saturday said a newly launched scheme that eases cross-border yacht visits would usher in a new wave of tourist consumption. Speaking on an RTHK radio programme, she said the first batch of five mainland vessels that entered the city last Friday through the southbound yacht scheme stayed for three to four days. Some of them reserved hotels in…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}