A HOST of short-term measures and a HK$180 million (US$23.2 million) war chest for the tourism sector were announced this morning by the Hong Kong government, which wants to revive the sector after it took a beating from Occupy Central last year.
Financial secretary John Tsang said measures include a six-month waiver of licence fees for 1,800 travel consultants, 2,000 hotels and guesthouses, as well as restaurants and hawkers, including the fees for restricted food permits.
Additionally, the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) will be allocated an extra HK$80 million to boost international promotions and rebuild international investor and tourist confidence.
Commenting on the announcement, Arrow Travel Agency’s managing director, Tommy Tam, said: “Licence fees cost about HK$5,000 per year, which is peanuts to us. The government should at least waive fees for one year like it did during the SARS period in 2003.
“Frankly, the consequences of Occupy Central…still affect tourism. Moreover, the extra funds for HKTB to promote overseas is not a big sum and I hope it won’t just focus on China but also longhaul destinations like Russia.”
Gray Line Tours Hong Kong’s deputy general manager, Michael Wu, was more positive, saying: “International arrivals dropped 10 per cent in October and November last year, so it’s a positive move. Indeed, the board needs more resources to build visitor confidence and drive more overnight stays from South-east Asia and markets like India, South Korea and Japan. “
