Market vendor Mr. Chan laments the absence of tourists on one of Hong Kong’s busiest streets, Tung Choi Street. He used to keep his stall open until 10 p.m., but now closes at 7 p.m.
The COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent quarantine measures have had a devastating impact on businesses reliant on tourism. However, Hong Kong is now taking steps to reopen itself to the world.
The city has lifted its mandatory three-day hotel quarantine and announced a global banking summit in November. It is also planning to give away 500,000 airline tickets worth $254.8 million as part of a “market recovery campaign.”
These moves are aimed at reviving Hong Kong’s status as an international business and travel hub. However, some locals feel that these changes may have come too late.
Although the lifting of the quarantine was met with enthusiasm by residents, there are still restrictions in place. Visitors are barred from dining in restaurants or going to bars for the first three days of their visit. Additionally, there are complicated visiting requirements, including pre-flight vaccination certificates and negative COVID-19 tests.
Hong Kong’s Asian neighbors, such as Japan, Taiwan, and South Korea, have already removed travel restrictions, making them more attractive destinations for international travelers.
Another challenge for Hong Kong’s tourism recovery is the continuing zero-COVID regime in mainland China. In 2019, 78% of the city’s visitors came from the mainland.
While the government’s effort to reopen and promote Hong Kong is welcomed by some, others, like restaurant owner Maxence Traverse, feel it may be too little too late. Many businesses in the food and beverage industry have shut down permanently during the pandemic, and iconic Cantonese restaurants have also closed their doors.
Traverse believes that simply reopening the city will not be enough to restore what made Hong Kong attractive in the first place. He feels that excitement needs to be reignited in the city.
