Hong Kong tourism chiefs give backing to high-speed rail joint checkpoint plan
Industry representatives say convenience and efficiency outweigh concerns over the application of mainland laws in the city
Hong Kong tourism industry representatives have expressed overwhelming support for the proposal to allow a joint checkpoint arrangement at the high speed rail terminus in West Kowloon, saying convenience and efficiency outweigh concerns over the application of mainland laws in the city.
Trade leaders also placed high hopes that the high-speed railway linking Hong Kong and Guangzhou will provide a much-needed boost on visitor figures, and further anchor the city’s position as a tourism hub.
On Thursday, the heads of 15 member associations under the Travel Industry Council and hundreds of industry workers attended a briefing session on the joint border clearance arrangements at West Kowloon terminus.
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Transport minister Frank Chan Fan and Undersecretary for Commerce and Economic Development Bernard Chan Pak-li were invited to address industry concerns.
“We are happy and excited about the proposal,” said Jason Wong Chun-tat, chairman of the Travel Industry Council and an owner to tour group firm, Hong Thai Travel.
Deputy chairwoman Gianna Hsu stressed that the council did not “blindly” dismiss the concerns in the community.