Cross-boundary boon: Chief Executive Donald Tsang welcomes the implementation of the arrangements for Shenzhen's non-Guangdong residents to apply for individual visits to Hong Kong in Shenzhen.

The Mainland's imminent implementation of the arrangements for Shenzhen's non-Guangdong residents to apply for individual visits to Hong Kong in Shenzhen will be a boost to the local tourist industry, Chief Executive Donald Tsang says.

He welcomed the news from the Ministry of Public Security today, saying the arrangement will be implemented December 15, under which several million Shenzhen residents can visit Hong Kong in batches.

While Hong Kong as an ever-changing modern city will remain attractive to visitors, Mr Tsang said the measure will spur the city to update and diversify its tourist attractions.

He expected sectors such as retail, catering and services to benefit from the rise in Mainland arrivals under the individual visit scheme.