Hong Kong eyes boost in cruise ship traffic after mainland China eases visa rules for foreigners arriving at ports
- Tour groups consisting of two or more foreigners arriving on mainland via cruise ships can travel visa-free for up to 15 days, with certain restrictions
- New measure should raise Hong Kong’s profile as cruise ship destination and its role in multi-stop itineraries for Greater Bay Area, tourism authorities say
Hong Kong has welcomed a new tourism initiative unveiled by Beijing to allow foreign tour groups arriving at cruise ship ports in mainland China to travel within its borders visa-free for more than two weeks, saying it should bring more visitors to the city.
The measure would further develop Hong Kong’s cruise ship industry and help the city become part of multi-stop itineraries of tourists visiting the Greater Bay Area, a spokesman from the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau said on Wednesday.
“The new policy announced by the National Immigration Administration will allow international cruise companies to develop more itineraries that include mainland ports and Hong Kong,” he said.
“As Asia’s cruise hub, Hong Kong attracts visitors from around the world to come for cruise travel. They would stay in Hong Kong before or after their voyages to experience our tourism offerings and bring economic benefits to the city.”
From Wednesday, tour groups consisting of two or more foreigners arriving on the mainland via cruise ships can travel visa-free for up to 15 days, given they are received by or have had their itineraries organised by Chinese agencies.