Hong Kong Distributes '500,000 Airline Tickets' and Eases Entry Quarantine to Attract Tourists

"Quarantine for Overseas Arrivals Lifted"... Hong Kong Eases Entry Quarantine
Abolishes 'Designated Quarantine Hotel Policy'... Anticipates Tourism Industry Revival

The Hong Kong government announced plans to ease hotel-related quarantine measures and distribute flight tickets to Hong Kong to tourists in order to revitalize the tourism industry. Photo by Reuters Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Culture Young Intern Reporter] As the Hong Kong government reopens its borders for the first time in nearly three years to attract foreign tourists, it is reported that 500,000 plane tickets to Hong Kong will be distributed to tourists.

On the 30th, the Hong Kong Sing Tao Daily, citing sources from political and business circles, reported, "The Hong Kong government plans to distribute 500,000 plane tickets purchased in 2020 to overseas tourists after lifting all remaining quarantine regulations," adding, "This will be a great gift to tourists worldwide."

It also stated, "If the COVID-19 situation does not worsen significantly, Chief Executive John Lee will announce the full lifting of quarantine measures, the plane ticket distribution plan, and the complete recovery of daily life in next month's policy address." It added, "Distributing 500,000 plane tickets to overseas tourists will be a measure to revive the tourism industry."

In early 2020, due to the outbreak of COVID-19, Hong Kong closed its borders and blocked the entry of foreigners. Residents with visas were required to undergo hotel quarantine for up to 21 days upon entry, and if confirmed positive during quarantine, they were placed in government-designated quarantine facilities. Even after quarantine release, multiple tests were required.

With strict travel restrictions by authorities, tourist visits sharply declined, severely impacting the tourism industry. Until 2019, before COVID-19, Hong Kong was one of the most visited countries (cities) in the world, but according to the Hong Kong Tourism Board, the number of arrivals crossing Hong Kong's border last year was 91,000, a 97.4% drop compared to the previous year.

Hong Kong's population also decreased by about 200,000 over the past two years, and many tourist attractions closed, including a dim sum restaurant with a 104-year tradition and a seafood restaurant with 46 years of history, while unemployment rates rose.

Additionally, as the Hong Kong financial sector, which employs many foreign workers, was shaken, the status of Hong Kong as an "international financial hub" was also affected. As a result, in the Global Financial Centres Index (GFCI) evaluation, Hong Kong lost its position as "Asia's No. 1" to Singapore.

In line with China's "Zero COVID" policy, Hong Kong abolished the COVID-19 quarantine policies applied to arrivals for two and a half years on the 26th. Accordingly, arrivals now conduct self-health monitoring called "medical surveillance" at home or a chosen accommodation for three days, simplifying entry procedures.

However, the Hong Kong government still prohibits arrivals from entering restaurants or pubs for three days and requires daily rapid antigen tests for seven days. Voices are emerging that these regulations should also be lifted to encourage tourist inflow.

Meanwhile, the Sing Tao Daily reported that the Hong Kong government expects it will take about three to six months for tourists to start flowing in after all quarantine regulations are removed.