Tourism sector representatives on Monday welcomed the government’s change in quarantine policy, calling it a step in the right direction that will hopefully pave the way towards the lifting of all restrictions.

Earlier in the day, Chief Executive John Lee announced that from Friday, people arriving in the SAR will only have to spend three days in hotel quarantine, instead of the current seven.

The executive director of the Travel Industry Council, Fanny Yeung, said the tourism sector supports the change, adding that hundreds of local residents are now expected to plan their vacation trips.

"I think this will have a bit of benefit for Hong Kong citizens for outbound [travel] because the number of [quarantine] days is reduced when they come back to Hong Kong. Maybe more people will plan for vacation, although we don't expect a big volume," Yeung said.

She also told RTHK that she hopes Hong Kong will eventually move towards quarantine-free travel.

Haiyan Song, chair professor of the Polytechnic University's School of Hotel and Tourism Management, said he expects a surge in visitor arrivals from Europe and North America.

"The number of aircraft arriving in Hong Kong is quite limited right now. With this restriction relaxation, there will be more international flights flying to Hong Kong because demand for travelling in will increase," he told RTHK, adding that he hopes the city will fully open up by the end of this year.

Hong Kong’s flag carrier Cathay Pacific, for its part, said it welcomes the change, calling it "positive steps to help facilitate travel to Hong Kong ".

"We are asking the government to urgently provide a clear roadmap showing the complete removal of all Covid-related restrictions for aircrew and passengers as soon as is feasible to protect Hong Kong’s international aviation hub status," the airline said in a statement.

Its stock price ended the day 1.42 percent higher than the previous close.

Also welcoming the change, the Airport Authority said it has been working closely with the airport community to prepare for the expected increase in flights and passengers.