HONG KONG - The Hong Kong government has announced a
HK$42 billion (US$255m) financial package to help the SAR’s travel industry
following a drop in the number of tourist arrivals in the wake of ongoing
public protests.
The package will provide HK$120 (US$15)
cash incentive to travel agencies for each inbound tourist who stays overnight,
and HK$100 (US$12.75) cash handout for each outbound traveller sold a package
tour or air ticket.
The subsidy will be distributed between November
and next March. Each travel agency will receive subsidies for up to 500
tourists or HK$60,000.
Secretary for commerce and economic development
Edward Yau said the plan would benefit 1,700 travel agencies.
Funding will also go to sectors like restaurant,
taxis, and retail, with Bloomberg noting that further subsidies for airlines and hotels may follow.
HK Travel
Industry Council chairman Jason Wong said in a statement, “The travel industry
has been gravely affected by the protests, which have lasted for over four
months.
“I
believe the morale of traders will be boosted this time as the government is
going to dish out cash to directly help travel agents.”