HK, Qinghai exploring possibilities to boost tourism cooperation: Qinghai governor

More direct flights and high speed rail trains are among measures being explored to enhance tourism cooperation between Qinghai Province and Hong Kong this year, according to Governor of Qinghai Luo Dongchuan.

Luo stated during the “Two Sessions” in Beijing that this year will see efforts to enhance connections with Hong Kong, aiming to attract more Hongkongers to visit the province.

He believes that rising living standards will create more opportunities for bilateral exchanges.

Last May, Hong Kong's Individual Visit Scheme expanded to cover two more mainland cities - Xining in Qinghai Province and Hohhot in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region - and the direct flight route between Xining and Hong Kong was subsequently reopened.

Luo mentioned plans to explore increasing flights based on tourist demand and economic activities.

He also noted that the province currently has over 50,000 acres of vegetable bases supplying vegetables to the two SARs, with many cordyceps and vegetables being exported to Hong Kong.

As for Inner Mongolia, 16,700 residents from Hohhot had traveled to Hong Kong by the end of last year since the city was included in the Scheme, while Hohhot welcomed 6,466 visitors from Hong Kong.

Secretary of Party Committee of the Department of Culture and Tourism of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region Zheng Rui stated that a flight route from Hohhot to Hong Kong via Kunming in Yunnan Province opened last year, saving travelers about four hours.

He revealed plans to gradually introduce direct flights between Ordos, Hohhot and Hong Kong, along with a high-speed rail tourist train from West Kowloon to Hohhot via Zhengzhou - the capital of Henan Province - offering more options for Hongkongers. 

Zheng stated that cultural and tourism development between Inner Mongolia and the two SARs is improving, with significant potential for deeper cooperation and exchanges.

He noted the authority will continue to strengthen collaboration and resource sharing in cultural initiatives.

Meanwhile, Augustus Tang King-wing, a Hong Kong member of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference and former Chief Executive Officer of the Cathay Pacific Group, noted that many airlines are increasing their capacity following the activation of the third runway at Hong Kong International Airport.

He expressed confidence that the aviation sector’s post-pandemic recovery will surpass previous levels with the SAR government’s promotion of tourism and the development of a shipping center.

(Cheng Wong)