The COVID-19 epidemic in Hong Kong is gradually slowing down, and the authorities plan to relax social distancing measures in stages starting from April 21.
The Commerce and Economic Development Bureau stated that cruise tourism will resume in an orderly manner after the epidemic has stabilized and under the premise of ensuring public health and safety.
The authorities said that the Tourism Development Bureau will launch the "High Seas Cruise" version of the "Reward You" cruise. Citizens who spend a total of 800 yuan at retail or catering stores at designated times can enjoy a 500 yuan discount when booking the "High Seas Cruise" itinerary. , is expected to have 40,000 places.
▼1.5 Cruise Spectrum of the Seas returned to the cruise terminal one day earlier▼
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HKTB uses 2,000 Dream Cruises to reward you with 40,000 places
In response to questions from members of the Legislative Council Finance Committee special meeting, the Commerce and Economic Development Bureau pointed out that the authorities will continue to closely monitor the development of the epidemic. The HKTB will also continue to support cruise companies interested in operating cruises "high seas" in Hong Kong, including through promotion, to attract more members of the public to participate in cruise tourism.
The authorities revealed that the HKTB will use the $20 million allocation of the sixth round of the Anti-epidemic Fund to launch the "High Seas Tour" version of the "Reward You" cruise ship to promote the recovery of the cruise industry.
Under the program, citizens who spend a total of RMB 800 at retail or catering stores at designated times can enjoy a discount of RMB 500 when booking the "High Seas Tour".
The authorities estimate that about 40,000 local "high seas" cruise passengers, cruise lines and travel agents selling the itineraries will all benefit.
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Cruise terminal lease extended to 2028
In addition, a member asked about the 10-year lease for the operation of the Kai Tak Cruise Terminal is about to expire. How will the authorities arrange for the terminal to renew?
The Commerce and Economic Development Bureau replied that, taking into account the uncertainties brought about by the outbreak of the novel coronavirus pneumonia to the global cruise industry, and the need to ensure that the Kai Tak Cruise Terminal can continue to operate smoothly after the epidemic has stabilized to facilitate the recovery of cruise tourism in Hong Kong, the authorities have cited The terms of the current lease with the terminal operator extend the term of the operator's lease of the terminal for five years to May 2028.
The authorities also explained the number of cruise berthings and the number of cruise passengers at the Kai Tak Cruise Terminal in the past five years. Last year, the number of cruise berthings was 84 and the number of passengers was 253,017, a sharp increase of 2.5 times and 1.46 times compared with 2020 respectively.
Still, it’s still a far cry from pre-pandemic 2019, with 52% fewer cruise berths and 70% fewer passengers last year than in 2019.
▼The second round of the HKTB's rewarding tour▼
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Relaxation of social interaction | HKTB plans to launch the "Reward You Tour" cruise "High Seas Tour" version with about 40,000 places for high seas tours│Royal Caribbean Cruises announces "No Fun" to move to Singapore Dream Cruises plans to apply for liquidation of Morning Star Travel Announces liquidation Ye Qingning pointed out The anti-epidemic and anti-epidemic funds are insignificant, hoping to reopen the high seas cruise. The government will extend the suspension of the cruise ship. The Ocean Spectrum cancels the high sea cruise in February. : Reduced inquiries on high seas travel and customs clearance with the Greater Bay Area before the end of the year