Hong Kong Government extends Individual Visit Scheme to more cities in China

The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) and other Hong Kong industry members warmly welcomed the Policy Address presented by Chief Executive Mr Donald Tsang today, in which a series of measures were announced to facilitate further development of Hong Kong’s tourism industry.

Part of the measures include an extension of the Individual Visit Scheme (IVS) to Chengdu, Jinan, Shenyang and Dalian from 1 November 2005.

In the “China Outbound Leisure Travel Research” study conducted by the HKTB, both Dalian and Jinan are identified as high growth cities, while Shenyang and Chengdu are classified as emerging cities.

To fully tap their potential, the HKTB is to implement a series of marketing initiatives in each of these cities. The Board recently opened an office in Chengdu, which, together with its existing presence in Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou, should increase the effectiveness of its marketing and publicity across the Mainland.

The various tourism infrastructure proposals outlined in the Policy Address, including the study on the need for new tourism works projects in Aberdeen, enhancement to the waterfront facilities at Lei Yue Mun, development of a piazza at Tsim Sha Tsui and early construction of a new cruise terminal, are all of crucial and strategic importance to Hong Kong’s tourism industry. As well as enhancing Hong Kong’s diverse attractions, they will strengthen the city’s appeal and competitiveness as one of the world’s leading travel destinations.

Several other proposals laid down in the Policy Address, such as improving air quality and monitoring food safety, are also closely related to the tourism industry.

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