[Explanation] Under the influence of social turmoil and the epidemic, Hong Kong's tourism industry has almost stopped.
In a temporary parking lot near the Kwai Chung Container Terminal, many of the nearly 1,000 coaches have been parked for more than half a year, so this is known as the "tourist bus cemetery" in the industry.
[Concurrent] Chen Zongyi, Managing Director of China-Hong Kong Connect Group Co., Ltd.
When you look down from a high altitude, there is no channel. Why are there no channels?
Because it is not for you (temporary) parking, it is simply called "bus cemetery" in the industry. The cars that come in are "dead cars". Basically, they will not go out for business because they can't get in (parking space) after business. Can't get out of the car.
How long have many cars been parked?
Stopped for seven months.
[Commentary] The reporter recently visited this "tourist bus cemetery" accompanied by people in the tourism industry.
In the nearly 5,000 square meters open-air parking lot, there are row upon row of tourist buses, and occasionally the sound of engine starting can be heard in the ears. Chen Zongyi said that it was the driver who drove the car out for a round, otherwise it kept stopping there. More maintenance costs are required.
The China-Hong Kong Express Group Co., Ltd. where Chen Zongyi works is mainly engaged in cross-border passenger transport services. He has been in the business for more than 20 years when he talks about the status quo, and his mentality is a bit pessimistic.
[Explanation] Ye Qingning, president of the Hong Kong Travel Agency Owners Association, said that the depression of the tourism industry has appeared since the "regulations" in 2019, and many tourists and tour groups have given up the idea of visiting Hong Kong.
[Concurrent] Ye Qingning, President of Hong Kong Travel Agency Owners Association
Ever since there have been social incidents in Hong Kong, there have been black riots, roadblocks, and demonstrations every week. This message has been received all over the world, not only in the Mainland, but (the whole world).
As a tourist, if you choose a place to go on vacation, you will never choose an unsafe place.
Therefore, after the emergence of the "Regulation Modification Disturbance" in 2019, it will immediately affect the number of inbound passengers.
[Explanation] This year's epidemic is undoubtedly worse for Hong Kong's tourism industry.
Due to the significantly smaller number of arrivals, cross-border traffic with Macau and the mainland has been almost cut off, and cross-border and city tour buses are no longer operating.
However, the monthly parking fee for each vehicle is as high as 4000 to 5000 Hong Kong dollars.
In order to find a suitable "shelter", the Hong Kong Public Bus Association discussed with the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government in February, and the government allocated this government land for non-franchised bus parking.
[Explanation] Although the problem of bus parking has been temporarily resolved, the entire tourism industry is still facing a very headache-a large number of practitioners are in a state of "hand-stopping".
Chen Zongyi said that the current population of bus drivers in Hong Kong is showing an aging trend and it is difficult to change jobs.
[Concurrent] Chen Zongyi, Managing Director of China-Hong Kong Connect Group Co., Ltd.
Many drivers are older, and the median age of drivers is 51.
Take our company as an example. There are two to three thousand drivers, but the turnover rate is very low. It is not easy for them to find other jobs.
[Explanation] Ye Qingning believes that the key to solving the problem is to allow the tourism industry to slowly recover. At present, the third wave of epidemic in Hong Kong is basically under control. He hopes that the government will launch a cross-border mutual recognition health code system as soon as possible.
[Concurrent] Ye Qingning, President of Hong Kong Travel Agency Owners Association
If the health code can be integrated as soon as possible, I very much hope that the National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival will allow residents of the two places, not only tourists, but many (Hong Kong people) families and families to live in Shenzhen and the Mainland. I hope they can reunite during the Mid-Autumn Festival. I hope most.
Reporter Li Waner and Chen Haonan from Hong Kong
Editor in charge: [Liu Xian]