The SUN HK : HK relaxes inbound rules for tour groups

07 November 2022

By The SUN

Tour group members will be allowed to enter theme parks even while on amber code restrictions

Travelers who arrive in Hong Kong as part of tour groups will be allowed to enter theme parks, museums, temples and other designated tourist attractions even when holding an amber code under the vaccine pass, under new rules announced Monday by the government.

The tourists, who should be received by licensed travel agents and have pre-registered their itineraries, will also be allowed to enter and dine in partitioned areas in designated eateries.

PINDUTIN PARA SA DETALYE

According to the government statement, the eased rules for inbound tour groups which should come into effect within the month, is an effort to strike a balance between epidemic risks and the need for economic development.

It added that the governemnt is exploring at the same time the possibility of allowing tour group members who will be in Hong Kong for only a short period to undergo fewer nucleic acid (PCR) tests and daily rapid antigen tests.

PINDUTIN PARA SA DETALYE

But to cut the risk of infection, licensed travel agents are required to pre-register their itineraries with the Travel Industry Council and ensure they comply with anti-epidemic measures like using the LeaveHomeSafe app and the Vaccine Pass.

Media reports said both the tourism sector and catering businesses welcomed the news.

Press for details

Lawmaker Tommy Cheung who represents the catering sector said at a news conference that restaurants are ready to discuss details with the authorities on accommodating the tour groups.

TIC’s executive director, Fanny Yeung, on the other hand said the move signals to the whole world that Hong Kong is back to normal.

BASAHIN ANG DETALYE

The government said it will discuss with the TIC on the implementation details of the new measures, including those that should be followed by staff members who receive the travelers. They will be uploaded to the TIC website, www.tichk.org, in due course.