French 'do show the love but HK must open up more'

Hong Kong's amber code and PCR test requirements upon arrival are insufficient to lure back overseas tourists, French consul-general Christile Drulhe said, pointing out that nearly one in five Hong Kong-based French have left the city over the past three years of the Covid pandemic.

Drulhe said the international community is closely monitoring Hong Kong's efforts to preserve the rule of law and developments under the national security law.

The recent political developments had an impact on its image, she said.

The French community has dropped from 14,000 in 2019 to around 11,000 to 12,000 at the moment due to the pandemic, she said.

"Those who are still in Hong Kong now are very happy to be here and believe in the potential of France-Hong Kong relations," said Drulhe, adding many of them have been here for many years and are restarting normal lives with the easing of social distancing measures.

It was difficult for many French families here as children could not go to school due to the pandemic, but the situation has improved, she said.

However, the 0+3 arrangement and on-arrival PCR test requirements still make it difficult for foreigners to visit, she said.

"The current restrictions are still an obstacle to our two-way exchanges," she added.

Although it's good news that Hong Kong has allowed overseas tour groups with amber health code to visit theme parks and museums, French tourism professionals have said it is still insufficient to attract foreign tourists, she added.

"Hong Kong and the rest of China are the only regions with restrictions. When tourists are planning for their travel, they will give priority to countries where there are no restrictions."

She said the highly sensitive PCR tests in Hong Kong has also deterred tourists from visiting, as many who had recovered from Covid worry they may test positive and be ordered to quarantine.

Lifting all Covid restrictions, including border curbs, testing requirements and mask mandates, will be "key to relaunching Hong Kong's attractiveness."

France has already lifted all restrictions to travelers, and the country welcomes tourists.

As France will be hosting the Rugby World Cup next year and the 2024 Paris Olympics, the consulate will hold events and exchanges in Hong Kong then.

She said that some French firms have left the city due to the restrictions, but most chose to stay, adding that there are still around 800 French companies here.

"Today, we have 89 regional headquarters. From what we know, five of them have left."