Multiple-entry Individual Visit Scheme expected to boost Hong Kong's retail and catering sectors

Travel Industry Council Executive Director Fanny Yeung Shuk-fan announced on a radio program that the multiple-entry Individual Visit Scheme (IVS) for Shenzhen residents is expected to increase their visits to Hong Kong by over 10 percent during the Christmas holiday. This is likely to significantly boost the retail and catering industries, although the hotel sector may not see as much benefit due to the short duration of stays.

The policy, approved by the State Council and implemented by the National Exit-Entry Administration, allows for multiple entries for Shenzhen residents visiting Hong Kong, as well as Zhuhai residents who can apply for a “one trip per week” visa to Macau. Additionally, residents of the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin will be able to apply for a “multiple-entry permit” to Macau.

Yeung suggested that developing more "half-day in-depth tour" products could enhance Hong Kong's appeal to visitors. She also expressed hope for eased travel restrictions from other cities like Zhuhai and Guangzhou.

Echoing Yeung, Tourism Association Executive Director Timothy Chui Ting-pong welcomed the scheme's resumption, estimating a 10 to 20 percent annual increase in visitors from Shenzhen, which would substantially benefit Hong Kong's economy. Chui noted that these tourists are unlikely to stay overnight, minimizing the impact on the hotel industry.

He added that in response to the trend of Hong Kong residents traveling north, some large shopping malls have adjusted their opening hours. Chui believes that attracting more tourists from Shenzhen will increase customer flow to these establishments.

Retail sector lawmaker Peter Shiu Ka-fai highlighted that the "multi-entry visa" now extends to all Shenzhen residents with residence permits, affecting 18 million people. He expects this to boost confidence in Hong Kong's retail sector.

Shiu recommended that improving sales quality and offering a diverse range of products could attract more mainland tourists. He also noted a change in tourist consumption patterns and the development of in-depth tours across Hong Kong's 18 districts, which could help disperse travelers and prevent issues like parallel trading in Sheung Shui from reoccurring.

Hong Kong’s sole delegate to the National People’s Congress, Starry Lee Wai-king, said that the resumption of the scheme has a positive effect on Hong Kong's retail market and fosters closer exchanges between Hong Kong and Shenzhen.

She urges the industry to be prepared and hopes that the authorities will promote more cultural activities in Hong Kong to attract tourists and, at the same time, strengthen immigration clearance facilities to cope with the increase in the number of tourists.