The recent inclusion of Xi’an and Qingdao in Hong Kong’s Individual Visit Scheme (IVS) heralds a significant boost for the city’s tourism sector. With the first batch of travelers from these cities having arrived, the expansion is poised to increase visitor numbers and stimulate economic activity. Lawmaker Benson Luk Hon-man and industry experts weigh in on the potential impacts and how the city is preparing to welcome the influx of tourists.
Immediate Impact and Welcome Arrangements
According to Benson Luk Hon-man, a lawmaker and standing member of the Qingdao Municipal Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, the first day of the scheme saw six travelers from Qingdao arriving in Hong Kong, highlighting the efficiency of the approval process. These travelers, including a newlywed couple and a food blogger, received a warm welcome from representatives of the Tourism Board and the Hong Kong…
