“The industry is in the grip of several challenges, namely tourists’ unwillingness to come due to travel hurdles, their reluctance to stay overnight due to price hikes and disorganised events, and their loss of interest in coming back again due to the city’s lack of novelty.”
Hong Kong last year welcomed 34 million visitors, 17 million of whom stayed overnight. That compares with 65 million, of whom 29 million stayed overnight, recorded in 2018.
The foundation, founded by former city leader Tung Chee-hwa and now chaired by Bernard Chan, a former convenor of the government’s key decision-making Executive Council, said its proposed measures could attract tourism dollars and help redefine Hong Kong’s charm and glamour.
The think tank has also suggested relaxing visa arrangements for mainland tourists,…
