A travel industry veteran suggested relaxation of travel permits for mainland visitors during the 15th National Games, which will kick off on November 9, to enhance visitors' willingness to visit and stay in Hong Kong.
Currently, mainland visitors entering Hong Kong with a Hong Kong and Macao Travel Permit are only permitted to stay for a maximum of seven days.
Speaking on a program on Monday, Timothy Chui Ting-pong, executive director of the Hong Kong Tourism Association, suggested the government extend the stay limit for mainland visitors during the event.
He noted that the facilitating measures should also include a multi-entry permit for travel between Hong Kong and Macau, as well as introducing simplified document-checking procedures to achieve seamless clearance.
Meanwhile, Chui revealed that the industry is preparing promotions related to the National Games, including tickets, hotels, and transportation arrangements.
Separately, lawmaker Adrian Ho King-hong from the New People's Party proposed the government focus on attracting foreign tourists and high-end customers as the number of tourists increased by 12 percent in the first half of the year.
He noted that foreign tourists tend to stay in Hong Kong longer than their mainland counterparts.
Additionally, he recommended that authorities consider the introduction of more annual events, positing that regular and prestigious events such as expos, economic and trade conferences, international animation and comics festivals, and sailing tourism could effectively draw inbound travelers during specific periods throughout the year, thereby stimulating demand in the hotel and catering sectors.
(Judy Cui)
