The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Greg So, has given a lukewarm response to a proposal to streamline the visa application process for mainland e-passport holders.
The Business and Professionals Alliance had proposed making visas available online to some 20 million mainland e-passport holders, to boost the inflow of mainland visitors. The Travel Industry Council (TIC) backed the plan earlier on Wednesday.
So said he welcomes plans to bring in a more diverse mix of tourists. But he stressed it is important for the government to carefully scrutinise the proposal to change visa application arrangements, as that may have far-fetching consequences on the local way of life.
Hong Kong’s tourism and retail industries say they have been hit hard by a marked decline in visitor numbers over the past few months.
The Business and Professionals Alliance had proposed making visas available online to some 20 million mainland e-passport holders, to boost the inflow of mainland visitors. The Travel Industry Council (TIC) backed the plan earlier on Wednesday.
So said he welcomes plans to bring in a more diverse mix of tourists. But he stressed it is important for the government to carefully scrutinise the proposal to change visa application arrangements, as that may have far-fetching consequences on the local way of life.
Hong Kong’s tourism and retail industries say they have been hit hard by a marked decline in visitor numbers over the past few months.
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