296 Travel and Tourism
Tourism Co-operation
Mainland
The Tourism Commission maintains close liaison with the Mainland tourism authorities to promote and develop 'multi-destination' travel and quality tourism. Meetings are held regularly between the Tourism Commission and relevant tourism authorities in the Mainland, particularly those in Guangdong Province. A number of tourism co-operation accords were signed during the year between the tourism. authorities and organisations in Hong Kong and their counterparts in Guangdong, Hainan, Qinghai, Yunnan and Shenzhen.
Macao
In April, Hong Kong and Macao held their first annual meeting to discuss tourism matters such as joint promotions of 'multi-destination' travel, communication in the event of travel incidents involving both cities, and promotion of quality. tourism.
CEPA and Pilot Measures for Implementation in Guangdong
In July, further liberalisation measures under CEPA (Mainland and Hong Kong Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement) were announced. These include the Central People's Government delegating to Guangdong the authority to approve applications of Hong Kong travel agents to operate in the province; and allowing Hong Kong residents to take the Mainland's tourist guide qualification examination. In addition, two measures were announced for pilot implementation in Guangdong. These include extending to the whole of Guangdong the simplified entry arrangement for 144-hour travel in the Mainland for overseas visitors; and allowing Mainland-authorised Hong Kong travel enterprises to operate group tours to Hong Kong for Shenzhen non-permanent residents.
Co-operation with Other Countries
In 2008, Hong Kong signed agreements with a number of countries, including Peru, France and Spain to co-operate in promoting tourism universally. The agreements with France and Spain focus mainly on promoting Hong Kong as a centre for fine wines. On October 31, Hong Kong and Japan agreed to designate 2009 as the 'Hong Kong-Japan Tourism Exchange Year', to boost two-way tourism and to enhance cultural exchanges.
Websites
Tourism Commission: www.tourism.gov.hk
Hong Kong Tourism Board: www.discoverhongkong.com
Meetings and Exhibitions Hong Kong: www.mehongkong.com
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