Editorial | Solo travel from Xian, Qingdao a test for Hong Kong
- With tourists from the two mainland China cities now eligible for individual visits, it is up to Hong Kong to attract them through understanding their travel habits and preferences
Tourism has come to Hong Kong’s aid before in troubled times, leading a rousing economic recovery after the Sars epidemic. In the wake of the Covid pandemic, the city has again turned to tourism – and mainland China visitors in particular – to turn things around.
But some of the similarities end there. Shopping in Hong Kong has lost its former magnetism. More travellers are now seeking leisure and cultural experiences. This puts the city’s famed ability to adapt to the test.
To add to the challenge, residents of two heavily populated mainland cities, Qingdao and Xian, become eligible for individual visits to the city rather than tour groups from March 6. If this turns out well, further expansion is on the cards.
The scheme originally targeted a handful of Guangdong centres, then major cities like Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Beijing and Shanghai before reaching 49. This is the first time the list has been updated since 2007.
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Hong Kong’s traditional dai pai dong street-food stalls fight to stay open
It is now up to Hong Kong to attract solo visitors from the two new cities. A requirement they stay overnight makes them a potentially lucrative target. That should not be taken for granted, given the option of staying in Shenzhen and crossing the border for day visits.