'Drastic' 20pc cut in mainland visitors only one option, says Leung
Advisory body working to 'fine-tune' the number of tourists allowed
Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying today said that a 20 per cent cut in the number of mainland visitors to Hong Kong was only one option being considered by a key government appointed advisory body.
Speaking before an Executive Council meeting this morning, Leung said there could be a need for what he called “demand management” of tourist numbers before any decision is made on Hong Kong’s visitor capacity.
“[It is about] whether [we should] slow down the increase of visitors, or stop it, or reduce the number of visitors. We shall conduct various studies and will reflect Hong Kong’s views to the central government,” Leung said.
The government was now listening to the views of the public, businesses and the tourism sector, he said.
Tourism is an important sector of Hong Kong’s economy, he stressed, adding: “We will make sure that whatever we do, when we arrive at a decision, we will have a full understanding of the implications of any new policy.”
During a meeting of the Commission on Strategic Development yesterday, Leung reportedly sought opinions on a 20 per cent reduction to the 40 million mainlanders visiting Hong Kong every year.