Travel agents will play an important role in ensuring the smooth
operation of the Hong Kong government’s relaxation of Covid-19
restrictions for inbound tour groups.
Under the new arrangements, those travelling to Hong Kong in tour
groups operated by licensed tourist guides will be allowed to visit
tourist attractions, including theme parks, temples and museums and
designated dining premises when holding the Amber Code of the Vaccine
Pass.
The travel agents must, however, pre-register trip itineraries with the Travel Industry Council in Hong Kong beforehand.
Hong Kong has had some of the world’s toughest Covid policies, including the mandatory 3-day hotel quarantine for arrivals.
Currently, all inbound arrivals holding the Amber Code - those under
medical surveillance - are banned from entering restaurants, bars, gyms,
and salons. With the latest development, travellers in tour groups will
be exempted from this ban. Those not in groups will still have to abide
by the existing rules.
If the new arrangements work without incident, authorities will look
at relaxing the number of COVID-19 tests for group travellers.
Dr. Pang Yiu-kai, chairman of the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) said
the new arrangements send a “positive message” to travellers and trade
partners. He said the new arrangements would encourage travel to Hong
Kong, especially by consumers in short-haul markets.
The HKTB in October, arranged more than 400 meetings with more than
200 local trade partners and representatives in visitor source markets,
including tour operators, hotel and attractions, to discuss partnership
opportunities and gear up for the return of visitors.