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The Chinese language cities of Xian and Qingdao have been added to a journey scheme that permits residents to go to Hong Kong in a private capability, moderately than in a tour group, because the monetary hub struggles to revive its financial system post-Covid.
Tourism within the vibrant former British colony took an enormous knock from typically violent pro-democracy protests in 2019 and a subsequent crackdown on dissent earlier than the pandemic put town in shutdown.
The “Particular person Journey Scheme” started in 2003 as a part of a cooperation settlement between mainland China and Hong Kong. It was initially launched in 4 cities in close by Guangdong province earlier than branching out to a complete of 49 mainland cities in 2007.
Xian and Qingdao will probably be added to the listing by March 6, which means that residents of 51 Chinese language cities will probably be eligible to use for particular person journey.
Officers have touted Hong Kong’s attractiveness as a world hub and are planning to carry massive scale occasions together with Artwork Basel within the coming months to lure guests.
Chief John Lee mentioned Hong Kong have to be “relentless” to draw international musicians and entertainers after pop celebrity Taylor Swift booked reveals in different Asian cities however skipped Hong Kong.
Different acts reminiscent of Coldplay have additionally missed town, performing as a substitute in Taiwan and Bangkok.
Hong Kong Secretary for Tradition, Sports activities and Tourism Kevin Yeung mentioned the brand new journey scheme could be a optimistic increase.
“Xian and Qingdao every have a inhabitants of over 10 million. We consider it might carry extra excessive worth added in a single day guests to Hong Kong,” he mentioned in a press release.
Greater than 1.4 million vacationers visited Hong Kong throughout the Lunar New 12 months vacation which started on Feb. 10, with 87% coming from mainland China.
A mean of 157,000 mainland guests arrived in Hong Kong every day, exceeding a degree hit in 2018 earlier than the pandemic.