ENG-2019 — Page 351

Chapter 19

Travel and Tourism

Due to factors including the escalation of the China-US trade conflict and, since June, the social unrest in Hong Kong, the tourism sector of Hong Kong was hit hard in 2019, with overall visitor arrivals reversing to a notable drop of 14 per cent.

Overall visitor arrivals grew strongly by 13.9 per cent year on year in the first half of 2019, followed by a notable drop of 39.1 per cent in the second half, reflecting the impact of the China-US trade conflict and, since June, the social unrest in Hong Kong. In 2019 as a whole, the number of visitors decreased 14.2 per cent to 55.91 million, among whom Mainland visitor numbers declined 14.2 per cent to 43.77 million.

Despite the industry downturn, the government is pressing ahead with the Development Blueprint for Hong Kong's Tourism Industry, promulgated in 2017. The blueprint sets forth the government's vision to develop Hong Kong into a world-class premier tourism destination and its mission to ensure the balanced, healthy and sustainable development of the industry, as well as four development strategies supported by short, medium and long-term initiatives.

New Regulatory Regime

During the year, the Legislative Council passed the Travel Industry Ordinance (Commencement) Notice 2019, after which the Chief Executive made appointments to the Travel Industry Authority, a new statutory body responsible primarily for the licensing and regulation of travel agents, tourist guides and tour escorts. The government expects that the authority, upon establishment, will take about two years to complete all preparations before taking over the licensing and trade regulatory functions of the Travel Agents Registry and the Travel Industry Council of Hong Kong respectively for the full implementation of the new regulatory regime.

Major Tourism Developments

The city makes special efforts to promote MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions), cruise tourism, mega events and green tourism, while boosting family and business travel.

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