XN000022-1995-01-11 — Page 39

- 28.

New holding area for tourists at airport

Following is a question by the Hon Howard Young and a written reply by the Secretary for Economic Services, Mr Gordon Siu, in the Legislative Council today (Wednesday):

Question:

Travel agents often encounter difficulties in picking up arriving overseas tourists in the heavily congested arrival area at Kai Tak Airport. In order to facilitate travel agents to meet their clients from overseas, will the Government inform this Council whether it will consider:

(a)

(b)

(c)

granting permission with certain restrictions to some travel agents for entry to the arrival area buffer zone between the exits and the Customs counters to meet arriving tourist groups;

installing TV-monitors outside the designated exits leading to hotel and travel agents transport, to assist the travel agents in locating their clients; and

putting up more signs indicating the 'meeting point' for tourists at the existing airport as well as the future Chek Lap Kok Airport?

Answer:

The restricted access "Buffer Hall", which is located between the Customs and Arrivals halls in the Passenger Terminal at Kai Tak Airport, was established in 1978 to facilitate the smooth flow of arriving passengers and provide incoming visitors with an opportunity to seek assistance in finding accommodation or other services without being subject to possible harassment by touts. Facilities located within, or adjacent to the Buffer Hall, include counters manned by staff of the Hong Kong Tourist Association and the Hong Kong Hotels Association and a Tour Group Reception and Co-ordination Centre at which leaders of group tours can make contact with their local counterparts.