Movement restrictions are not stopping Hong Kong travel agencies from preparing for the return of tourism
- Relaxation of quarantine measures would trigger revival of tourism in Hong Kong, said Jebsen Holiday’s Lily Agonoy
- Tour operators are offering early bird packages and other deals ahead of a possible lifting of cross-border travel restrictions
The extension of restrictions on movement in and out of Hong Kong has not stopped travel agencies from making preparations for the day when tourism can finally return, while Covid-19 continues to stifle the industry.
Hong Thai Travel Services is already offering 20 per cent discounts for its “early bird packages” starting from September to the first quarter of 2021, to far-flung destinations such as Dubai and Slovenia.
“We hope to use more attractive prices to get people to make bookings at an earlier date,” said Cherie Fong, Hong Thai’s spokeswoman. “We’re stepping up promotions so that when the borders start opening up, we’ll be able to do business again and improve the situation in the industry.”
The relaxation of border controls and 14-day quarantine measures would be the trigger for the revival of the industry in Hong Kong, said Lily Agonoy, managing director of Jebsen Holidays.
“Right now we’re not allowing any foreigners into Hong Kong. If the outbreak comes under control, business will slowly come back to the tourism industry,” said Agonoy.
The way people travel after Covid-19 will be different, and they may want to go to nearby places where the outbreak of the virus is controlled so they feel safer, she added.