[Explanation] On October 6, Carrie Lam, the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, issued the fifth and last policy address of the current SAR government in the Hong Kong Legislative Council.
Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor said in the report that Hong Kong's tourism industry is still in a difficult situation due to the severe setback of the new crown epidemic. In addition to supporting the industry, the SAR government must also prepare for recovery.
[Commentary] On October 4th, Yin Zonghua, deputy director of the Hong Kong Central Liaison Office, also visited 6 small and medium-sized travel agencies in a series of activities "Let's listen to the same-hearted walk in the area" to learn about the operation status of small and medium-sized enterprises under the epidemic situation and listen to the opinions of representatives of the tourism industry. .
A few days ago, Shi Junming, a representative of the Hong Kong tourism industry who has been in the business for more than 30 years, said in an interview with a reporter from China News Agency that he thanked the central government and the SAR government for their continued attention to Hong Kong's tourism industry. These support measures will help tourism practitioners tide over the difficulties. ,regain confidence.
[Concurrent] Shi Junming, a Hong Kong travel industry practitioner
Since last year (2020), due to the epidemic, the Hong Kong government and the Hong Kong Tourism Board have provided some subsidies to our travel agencies to some extent.
The government directly subsidizes the company or its employees.
The HKTB used some of its original overseas promotional expenses to support us and engage in something we call "Rewarding You" in Hong Kong.
For example, if a Hong Kong citizen buys goods (products) worth more than 800 yuan, he can come to our company and sign up for our itinerary. These expenses will be funded by the Tourism Board.
[Explanation] Since its opening in 1991, Dongsheng Travel Agency, which has a history of 30 years, has witnessed the development and changes of Hong Kong's tourism industry.
The "Regulations Amendment Disturbance" in 2019 has had a huge impact on Hong Kong's tourism industry. The new crown epidemic that followed has swept the world and brought Hong Kong's tourism industry to a freezing point.
As the person in charge of a travel agency, Shi Junming admitted that this was a moment he had never experienced since his career.
[Concurrent] Shi Junming, a Hong Kong travel industry practitioner
Before the epidemic, we received tourists to Hong Kong for an average of one month, and all kinds of tourists together, there were at least 6,000 people, and sometimes up to 10,000 people.
It has fallen so far, and I don’t know how to describe it. Sometimes there are no tourists for the whole month, and sometimes as a local tourist, there are only two to three hundred people per month.
The decline in business fell below 90%.
I've been waiting, but I didn't expect to wait so long, and it's been more than a year now.
【Explanation】According to the current situation of Hong Kong’s tourism industry, the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Carrie Lam pointed out in a new policy address that the current government has introduced a number of measures and projects, including the establishment of a statutory tourism regulatory bureau; strengthening the promotion of culture, heritage, and green And creative tourism projects.
Under the epidemic, Hong Kong travel agencies are also based on local travel, seeking a way out.
Shi Junming believes that culture is the core of tourism products, and it is a new opportunity for Hong Kong travel agencies to find new ways to innovate and develop the form and content of local tourism.
[Concurrent] Shi Junming, a Hong Kong travel industry practitioner
There are many kinds of itineraries.
There are some itineraries that focus on Hong Kong’s history and culture, and some have arranged to go to sea to see the weird rocks and geography of Hong Kong. There are also some nostalgic (scenic spots), such as some famous movies and famous movie stars. The scenic spots that have been photographed, give people a memory.
Telling stories about different itineraries makes visitors feel that it is another flavor.
[Explanation] As the epidemic situation in Hong Kong eases temporarily, the resumption of cross-border travel between the two places is on the agenda.
The "2021 Hong Kong Policy Address" made it clear that the SAR government will continue to implement a number of measures to consolidate Hong Kong's status as a "one-way multi-stop" demonstration core area and an international city tourism hub.
Relevant work includes continuing to deepen cooperation with cities in the Greater Bay Area and establishing tourism brands in the Greater Bay Area.
In Shi Junming's view, the Greater Bay Area is the "new blue ocean" for Hong Kong's tourism industry in the future. He also looks forward to having the opportunity to develop in cities in the Greater Bay Area.
[Concurrent] Shi Junming, a Hong Kong travel industry practitioner
(Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao) The Greater Bay Area is one of the most important tourism prospects for Hong Kong in the future, and it must be developed.
Hong Kong also has the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge, which is very convenient for traffic.
These nine cities in the mainland have their own characteristics. For example, Guangzhou is dominated by Lingnan culture, Foshan has some so-called "Kung Fu capitals", and some (cities) specialize in food.
We know the culture of the Mainland, but there is no way to understand it in depth. After interacting with Hong Kong through the Greater Bay Area (mainland cities), Hong Kong people will know more about the Mainland.
Reporter Fan Siyi reports from Hong Kong
Editor in charge: [Yue Chuan]