The Government is discussing with Mainland authorities measures to fine-tune and improve the arrangements under the Individual Visit Scheme, Secretary for Commerce & Economic Development Gregory So said today.
Responding to lawmakers, Mr So said the Government had relayed the Hong Kong community's views on the scheme to relevant Mainland authorities so that the adjustment measures eventually implemented by the Central Government would better meet the long-term and overall interests of the city.
He added that the major premise is to ensure the stable and orderly development of the tourism industry, while at the same time, minimising as far as possible, the inconvenience caused by increasing visitor arrivals to local residents, with a view to striking a balance between the impact of the tourism industry on Hong Kong's economy and the livelihood of the community.
Mr So also noted that to maintain a diverse visitor portfolio, the Hong Kong Tourism Board has focused its marketing investment on key overseas markets in recent years. It has also explored new markets, including India, Russia, Vietnam, the Netherlands and Gulf area countries to tap new visitor sources.
