Much to enjoy with holidays at home in Hong Kong
- With the coronavirus having put paid to overseas holiday plans and few visitors to Hong Kong, there has never been a better time to explore or return to old city haunts in search of fun and relaxation
Hong Kong people like to travel, but the Covid-19 pandemic has put paid to overseas holiday plans for who knows how long. Cancelled flights coupled with the prospect of 14 days of self-isolation at one or both ends of a trip, the risk of infection and closed hotels and attractions would appear to ensure dismal months ahead.
Local tourism does not readily come to mind for Hongkongers, who have myriad travel options and high spending power. Their passport offers visa-free access to 168 countries and territories, the city is strategically located with half of the world’s population within five hours’ flying time and the airport has connections to more than 200 destinations.
Hong Kong being one of the most densely crowded places on Earth gives added impetus to citizens who want to get away; they have been doing so in ever-rising numbers in recent years. When mainland visitors were flocking in, cramped streets and shops gave even greater reason to flee overseas.
You can’t go away, so look for new places around you to see
But times have changed, protests first reducing the volume of arrivals and now the coronavirus limiting travel links.
The Hong Kong Tourism Board has a website overflowing with ideas for local places to go. No passport or air tickets are needed; all that is required is the same adventurous spirit that has taken us to places far and wide.
Attractions we went to long ago, but have avoided due to tourist numbers, can again be on our destination radar. Uncertainty about Ocean Park’s future surely puts it high on the “must do” agenda.
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