Rejected campus tourists learn the hard way as quota takes effect

Some mainland tourists were disappointed after they were refused entry to the University of Hong Kong campus in Pok Fu Lam as it imposed a visitor quota yesterday, requesting that all visiting tourists to book in advance.

Tourists need to book online to enter the campus between 8am and 6.30pm on weekdays and Saturdays but are free to walk in on public holidays and Sundays.

To enter, they need to register their name and e-mail address on the university's online reservation platform. They will need a QR code and personal identification document for entry and exit.

As of last night, bookings have been full for today, tomorrow and Monday.

For those without bookings, security guards will arrange for them to go to the waiting area. If there are still quotas available, they can then apply on the spot.

The university has set up tents at several MTR entrances and exits connecting the campus, with security staff assisting.

Outside the campus yesterday morning, some tourists were unaware of the new arrangement.

The Chen family of four traveled from Wuhan to Hong Kong and had planned to visit HKU on the last day of their trip. However, they had to be turned away. The father told reporters: "I am so disappointed!"

He said he had learned from friends that no reservation was required, adding they had not received any information on the internet about it.

HKU should have announced this earlier, so that "we would not visit here without a plan," he added.

A mainland traveler surnamed Ning said: "I feel a little bit sad now as I can't find the reservation site and I don't know how to do it." She has no plans to try to revisit the campus.

Another mainland traveler had successfully entered the campus after he heard about the new arrangement and asked a friend to book a week in advance.

An HKU student, Cheng, welcomed the new policy, saying: "There are fewer tourists now and I think it is more bearable. If there are too many tourists, it may disturb our attendance."