Support the Development of Greater Bay Area Tourism

The Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) is endowed with a wealth of tourism resources. By seizing the opportunities, the region can be forged into a world-class tourist destination. To make full use of resources, Hong Kong should further strengthen its cooperation with other cities in the GBA, explore the possibilities of multi-destination projects. Via cooperation, the tourism industry will bring unlimited business opportunities to the area. In this regard, I have recommended the Government through different channels to work closely with other parties in the area to provide further support on product interaction, publicity and promotion, and convenience in customs clearance, so that tourism in Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macau will continue yield in a sustainable and healthy manner.

 

On 15 June 2018, I wrote an article in a column of Sing Tao Daily, a local newspaper, and made suggestions on tourism development in the GBA.

（Click for details）

 

Since August 2018, I have put up banners in various districts to support the development of tourism in the GBA.

 

 

Reduce Impact of Pre-arrival Registration (PAR) for Indian Nationals on the Industry

In order to reduce the impact of “Non-refoulement claims” on the Hong Kong community, the Immigration Department has implemented the PAR for Indian Nationals from the beginning of last year. Ever since, the number of visitors from India has dropped significantly; some members in the tourism industry hence bear the consequences. In this regard, I requested the Government to conduct a mid-term review on the combat of “bogus refugees”, so as to reduce the impacts of the PAR on the Indian inbound market.

 

 

Strive for Compensation for Travel Agents to Collect Airport Construction Fee (ACF)

Travel agents are currently required to collect ACF on behalf of the AA when selling air tickets. These uncompensated services did not only increase the workload of travel agents, but also transferred the risks burden of credit card and account charges to the travel agents. Industry members are entitled to reasonable compensation when providing services. The current practice is definitely unfair to the members of the industry.

The TIC has appointed the Polytechnic University to conduct “Study on the financial and operational impact of ACF on Travel Agents” to objectively determine the actual contribution of the travel agent, hence facilitate arrangement of compensation. Both the Government and the AA should respond to the travel agency's claims and provide appropriate service fees.

 

On 11 October 2017, I met with personnel of the AA and had discussion regarding the service fee for the travel agents collecting the ACF for the 3RS. LegCo members who were concerned about the matter were also invited to attend and contribute to the discussion

 

On 29 September 2017, I have attended a meeting of “Subcommittee to Follow Up Issues Relating to the Three-runway System at the Hong Kong International Airport” - about the issue of collecting fees on behalf of the HKAA