Hong Kong aims for tourism revival as restrictions are lifted

Hong Kong is to work with operators and airlines to attract tourists back with the removal of China’s Covid travel curbs from January 8.

The easing of travel restrictions after almost three years will trigger efforts by tourism chiefs to reconnect with the trade, including agents. 

Hong Kong Tourism Board chairman Dr Pang Yiu-kai said: “The new measures mark a key milestone for tourism revival and the full reopening of the tourism doors of Hong Kong. 

“Visitors can now fully enjoy Hong Kong’s diverse offerings once they arrive in town. We believe this will attract visitors to Hong Kong from around the world. 

“Taking into account the pace of outbound travel resumption in different visitor source markets, HKTB will gradually step up its promotions worldwide to uphold Hong Kong’s status as a world-class travel destination.”

UK and northern Europe director Dawn Page added: “We are delighted to see that Hong Kong’s travel restrictions have eased. We plan to bring tour operators and Hong Kong Specialist Club members back to Hong Kong to experience the city.

“We want to reconnect with the industry and showcase the new developments across Hong Kong, such as the West Kowloon Cultural District, which is home to M+ and Hong Kong Palace Museum, as well as the new Peak Tram, which underwent renovations last year. 

“Currently we are revamping our Hong Kong Specialist Club programme, so that agents will be able to have a truly immersive digital experience while learning about Hong Kong – stay tuned for updates about that later this year. 

“Finally, we will be working with our tour operator and airline partners to help create special packages to encourage people back to Hong Kong.”