Andy CHONG CHINA DAILY The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government's generosity in lavishing international tourists with a banquet of perks and benefits has received the resounding approval of people in multiple industries who anticipate an increase in business activities and an upbeat mood.
The campaign is a combination of major trade shows and conventions, as well as sports and arts events.
The Hotels, Food Beverage Employees Association said 500,000 airline tickets mean 500,000 opportunities. The group said that 500,000 lucky tourists will be regaled with the city's cosmopolitan, hospitable and enigmatic atmosphere upon their arrival in Hong Kong.
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Allen Shi Lop-tak, president of the Chinese Manufacturers Association of Hong Kong, said that the free pickings and perks provided by the SAR government are an ideal vehicle to reshape the city's likability and positive narrative, which will lead to an affinity and confidence in visitors to the city. He expects an avalanche of business opportunities to land in the city.
The removal of the requirement for cross-border travelers to have a negative PCR COVID 19 test and travel quotas to take effect from Monday, which was announced by Lee on Friday, has stirred exhilaration in Hong Kong and the mainland, where people expressed their euphoria on social media.
A mother surnamed Song from Beijing sounded a sigh of relief at the knowledge of the campaign after she had endured a long separation from her daughter who worked for a law firm in Hong Kong. She said the campaign's gifts and goodies and the upcoming full border reopening are so exciting.
Bruce Pang, chief economist and head of research at JLL Greater China, said the measures are bound to lubricate the mobility of people commuting between Hong Kong and the mainland for trade and logistic collaborations, which will expedite the rebirth of Hong Kong's import and export market that thrives on predictability and efficiency.
Hong Kong's entrepot trade or re-export trade between the main 1 land and rest of the world and the city's overall export volume will see an exceptional rebound, Pang said.
In addition to the anticipated recovery in tourism, catering and hospitality, retail and recreational sectors, the city s financial services and business services — another two pillar industries of Hong Kong — will surely recover and get a renewed spring in their step, as professionals from the Chinese main 1 land and abroad will bring their entrepreneurial spirit into the city, he said.
Johnny Hon Sei-hoe, Honorary Consulate for Grenada in Hong Kong and founder of the Global Group, said that if the government can tap into the agency and influence of celebrities on social media for promotional campaigns, as Dubai and Singapore have done, it will help to communicate Hong Kong's allure far and wide. Hong Kong should step out of the outmoded zone and take a cue from the two cities, Hon said.
He believes that the private sector will invite high-profile guests and speakers with power to grace upcoming conferences and events. Hon said that influential figures are already attracting more traffic.