Benefits Hong Kong Can Glean from Beijing's Loosened Tax Refund Regulations for Travelers
Locked and Loaded for Global Tourism
In a striking shift, Chung Pok-man, vice-chairman of the Hong Kong Department Stores and Commercial Staff General Union, has voiced his thoughts on Wednesday, claiming that the mainland's new travel policies are not the be-all and end-all for bringing in more foreign tourists to Hong Kong. Instead, he suggests a focus on multi-destination tourism within the Greater Bay Area (GBA) as the way forward.
"It's all about the travel plans of these globe-trotters," Chung said.
"If they're hell-bent on checking out the Yangtze River Delta or places like Beijing and Xian, it's going to be a real challenge to steer them towards Hong Kong."
He elaborates that the Hong Kong government should team up with mainland authorities to facilitate multi-city trips across the GBA, which includes Macau, Hong Kong, and Guangdong, to entice foreign travelers.
"I genuinely hope the administration, while pushing tourism to the mainland, can also devise incentives or plans that make it possible for tourists to experience all three GBA hotspots," Chung shared.
To bolster this multi-destination tourism initiative, let's examine some tactical approaches:
Unified Branding and Cluster Development
Establishing a sturdy, unique tourism identity for the GBA can help the region claw its way to the top by showcasing the best of each city's diverse offerings, such as cultural richness, culinary delights, and historical landmarks[1]. This can be achieved by launching joint marketing campaigns that highlight complementary attractions.
Infrastructure and Policy Coordination
- Streamlined Transport Systems: Utilize Hong Kong's international airport and transport networks to ensure hassle-free travel across the GBA cities, allowing tourists to embark on "one trip, multiple-destination tours"[4][5].
- Extended Visa Facilities: Broaden visa facilitation policies, like Shenzhen's multi-entry endorsements, to embrace a wider range of GBA cities and international tourists[4].
Cross-City Incentives and Experiences
- Unified Tax Refund Policies: Collaborate with mainland authorities to offer tax refunds for overseas shoppers across GBA purchases, advised by industry experts[2].
- Shared Event Calendars: Coordinate event schedules (such as festivals, conferences) across GBA cities to distribute visitor traffic and showcase regional specialties[3][4].
Collaborative Efforts Among Stakeholders
Rope in businesses, cultural institutions, and tourism boards across GBA cities to create tailor-made packages that pinpoint exclusive local attractions whilst aligning with global trends like eco-tourism and cutting-edge digital experiences[1][5].
By harmonizing efforts across the board, the GBA can establish itself as an integrated, world-class travel destination that leans on its diverse offerings and connectivity.
- Chung Pok-man believes that promoting multi-destination trips within the Greater Bay Area (GBA) is needed to attract foreign tourists to Hong Kong, rather than relying solely on new travel policies.
- To divert travelers towards the GBA, Chung suggests that the Hong Kong government should collaborate with mainland authorities to create seamless transportation, extended visa facilities, and unified tax refund policies.
- In addition, Chung highlights the importance of collaborative efforts among GBA cities' businesses, cultural institutions, and tourism boards to offer tailor-made packages that align with global trends like eco-tourism and cutting-edge digital experiences.
- By improving infrastructure, policy coordination, and cross-city incentives, the GBA aimed to establish a unified, sturdy tourism identity and present itself as an integrated, world-class travel destination.
