Secretary for Transport and Logistics Mable Chan on Saturday said a newly launched scheme that eases cross-border yacht visits would usher in a new wave of tourist consumption.

Speaking on an RTHK radio programme, she said the first batch of five mainland vessels that entered the city last Friday through the southbound yacht scheme stayed for three to four days.

Some of them reserved hotels in advance of their overnight stays.

Those who docked at Lantau Yacht Club could use their craft as accommodation, Chan said, but they would still go on shore to spend.

“Some of them visited Stanley, some even headed to Central,” she said.

“Apart from sightseeing at sea, they would also go on shore to shop and head to theme parks.”

Yacht owners and masters have to register an account with the SAR’s Marine Department as part of the procedure for them to travel here, with Chan saying 32 accounts have already been set up so far.

She also said that, ahead of the end of the application period for platform companies to apply for ride-hailing service licences on October 30, the government is considering allowing applicants who are, for instance, particularly able to meet Hong Kong's needs, to have a higher chance of securing a permit.

A lottery will be carried out if the number of applications exceeds the 10,000-permit cap.

“I think that some of the main considerations include whether they are able to provide transport capacity or if they are really committed – this is very important," Chan said.

"We will also take into consideration how long they have owned the vehicles.”

Since a new combined written test for taxis and ride-hailing vehicles was launched in early August as part of the new regulatory framework for ride-hailing services, Chan said around 16,000 people have registered for the exam so far.

The government was, she stressed, pleased to see the enthusiastic response to the test, which has seen a passing rate of more than 60 percent.




Edited by Tony Sabine