Direct flights help Harbin travelers save time

Direct flights between Harbin and Hong Kong began yesterday, shortening their travel by up to three hours.

The Harbin to Hong Kong route is operated by China Southern Airlines, with two flights every Thursday and Sunday, departing at 7.40am and arriving in Hong Kong at 1pm, while the return flight will depart at 2.15pm from Hong Kong and arrive in Harbin at 7.15pm.

The inaugural flight on an A320 aircraft departed from Harbin Taiping International Airport at 7.35am yesterday and landed at Hong Kong International Airport at 12.13pm. It carried a total of 131 passengers.

Compared with transiting through a third place or going through the Shenzhen land ports, the direct flight can save passengers two to three hours, said airline spokeswoman Li Bingchuan.

The airline said the route can promote economic and cultural exchanges between the two areas.

The individual visit scheme expanded to eight more mainland cities, including Harbin, from May 27.

Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism Kevin Yeung Yun-hung visited centers of the Hong Kong Tourism Board located at the Heung Yuen Wai boundary control point and Hong Kong airport, to welcome representatives of the tourism industry and media from the eight cities.

Around 40 trade representatives who arrived in Hong Kong will enjoy a full five-day itinerary to explore the melting pot of oriental and occidental cultures.

Representatives will experience "Tourism is everywhere in Hong Kong" and feel the unique charm of Hong Kong by visiting attractions such as Tai Kwun and the Palace Museum.

"We hope that our friends from the eight cities can experience the extraordinary charm of Hong Kong as an international metropolis and a culinary capital," Yeung said.

"We also hope that they share their high-quality experience with their peers while enhancing the two-way tourism exchange."

The Tourism Board will distribute HK$200 retail and food and beverage coupons to tourists from the eight cities.

rachael.ng@singtaonewscorp.com