The Travel Industry Council (TIC) said Hong Kong must work to expand its visitor source markets, while leveraging on Beijing's visa-free transit policy to strengthen its role as a travel gateway to the mainland.

TIC chairman Tommy Tam noted the SAR is already benefiting from the relaxation of visa-free entry rules for transit passengers, which took effect last year.

Under the refined policy, citizens from 55 countries can transit through China without a visa and stay for up to 10 days, compared to three or six days previously.

They must enter and leave through 65 dedicated ports, including the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge and the West Kowloon high-speed rail station.

Tam said the mainland's vast high-speed rail network also helps draw visitors from outside Guangdong.

"While maintaining our core markets, we must tap into long-haul mainland visitors beyond GBA (Greater Bay Area) as high-speed rail improves, leveraging the expanded individual visit scheme to boost overnight stays," he said in an interview with RTHK.

Tam expects that over the next five years, the city's inbound tourism sector will continue to be driven by visitors from the mainland.

But that doesn't mean the SAR can sit back and give up on overseas markets, Tam stressed.

"As mainland visitors increasingly seek high-quality, experimental and life-oriented travel, Hong Kong is evolving to meet these demands while simultaneously re-engaging long-haul international markets to ensure a balanced and resilient tourism portfolio," he said.

"Simultaneously, Hong Kong should diversify into Belt and Road regions, particularly the Middle East, Asean, and Central Asia."

The industry veteran added it was equally important to entice travellers to stay longer in Hong Kong, given the city's "unparalleled blend of culture, sports, and nature" that inspires them to "stay, explore and spend".

Tam's suggestions was among a raft of proposals submitted to the government, which is drafting the city's inaugural five-year plan and the Policy Address.



Edited by Raymond Yeung