December 14, 2022 | By Bronwen Largier
Hong Kong has finally removed rules which prevented inbound travellers from attending event venues for their first three days in the city state.
The move, which comes into effect today, is the end of a slow easing of pandemic-era measures in Hong Kong, which previously saw travellers banned from event and hospitality venues for the first seven days of their stay.
In September, the seven-day period was shortened to three and yesterday the Government announced the restriction on international arrivals entering certain premises in their first few days in the destination would be lifted altogether.
While there is still a comparatively strict testing regime in place for arrivals – nucleic acid tests on arrival and day two and daily RATs until day five – the change removes the last major barrier to Hong Kong resuming its role as a major international business events destination.
Chair of the Hong Kong Tourism Board Dr Pang Yiu-kai welcomed the move.
“The new arrangements mark Hong Kong’s re-opening as a tourism gateway with significant international connections,” he said.
“This is expected to initially attract mainly business travellers, family visitors and returning Hong Kong residents.
“In addition, travellers are no longer required to take a PCR test before boarding flights to Hong Kong, and upon arrival, they can head directly to their home or chosen hotel to await the test results.
“The new arrangements will allow greater convenience and flexibility for travellers.”
Several business events relocated away from Hong Kong in 2022, due to the destination’s strict pandemic measures which had effectively paused international event activity.
