Hong Kong’s Reopening Efforts: Too Little, Too Late?

As Hong Kong takes steps to reopen itself to the world, many locals are left wondering if the changes come too late. The city’s economy, once a thriving hub of international business and travel, has been severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Source: media.cnn.com

Market vendor Mr. Chan, who sells silver earrings, necklaces, and scarves on Tung Choi Street in Kowloon, has seen his business suffer greatly. Before the pandemic, he would keep his stall open until 10 p.m., but now he closes at 7 p.m. due to the lack of tourists.

Source: media.cnn.com

‘There are no tourists now, whatsoever,’ Mr. Chan said in a recent interview. He hopes for swift change with the end of quarantine, which had a devastating effect on businesses that relied on tourism.

Source: media.cnn.com

The Hong Kong government has taken steps to reopen the city, including lifting its mandatory three-day hotel quarantine and announcing a global banking summit in November. Additionally, the city plans to give away 500,000 million airline tickets, worth around $254.8 million, to global visitors, along with residents, as part of a ‘market recovery campaign.’

However, some locals feel that the changes may be too little, too late. Maxence Traverse, a restaurant owner who had to shut his business, Honi Honi Tiki Bar, last year, believes that simply reopening the city will not be enough to restore what drew him there 12 years ago.

‘We need to be providing excitement for Hong Kong, because right now we lost so many things,’ Traverse said. He believes that the city needs to offer more than just a reopening to attract tourists and businesses back.

While the lifting of the quarantine was received with elation by the city’s residents, who have endured more than two years of crushing pandemic measures, the city still imposes a 3-day period during which visitors are barred from dining in restaurants or going to bars. This, along with the complicated visiting requirements, may deter potential visitors.

The city’s Asian neighbors, including Japan, Taiwan, and South Korea, have taken steps in recent weeks to remove the last remaining barriers on travel, making them more attractive destinations for international travelers. Another cloud hanging over the forecast is the continuing zero-Covid regime in mainland China, which has significantly impacted the city’s tourism industry.

As Hong Kong looks to revive its status as an international business and travel hub, many locals are left wondering if the changes come too late. The city’s economy, once a thriving hub of international business and travel, has been severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.