For months, Hong Kong has been waiting eagerly for favorable policies from the central government to reignite the city’s economic engine, particularly its hard hit tourism and retail sectors. The good news came this week when the Exit-Entry Administration of China, with the State Council’s approval, restored the multiple-entry Individual Visit Scheme for Shenzhen residents traveling to Hong Kong. Under this policy, eligible Shenzhen residents can visit the special administrative region for an unlimited number of times within a year, and stay for up to seven days each time. The news not only means a huge convenience for millions of Shenzhen residents, but also a much-needed economic revitalization for the SAR’s tourism, retail and dining businesses.
Tourism has long been a key pillar of Hong Kong’s economy. It not only drives up revenue but also helps shape the city’s social and cultural fabric. COVID-19, in particular, has created unprecedented challenges, and even as the city emerges from the pandemic’s shadow, the number of tourists from the Chinese mainland -- historically the backbone of the local tourism sector – has yet to return to pre-pandemic levels. The problem is compounded by fierce competition from regional rivals, such as Japan and South Korea which have streamlined visa processes for Chinese mainland tourists by offering them fresh travel experiences, while European destinations are actively trying to attract more tourists from abroad with easier and more convenient tour arrangements.
Hong Kong’s post-pandemic recovery has been slow. Aggravating the problem is the surge in the number of Hong Kong residents heading north to the mainland, especially Shenzhen, for dining, shopping and entertainment, fueled by the mainland’s competitive prices and a strong Hong Kong dollar against the yuan. Such a changing pattern in travel has left Hong Kong retailers and restaurants, already struggling with reduced tourist footfall, facing an uphill battle.
The reinstatement of the multiple-entry IVS residents is a timely lifeline for Hong Kong. It simplifies cross-boundary travel for Shenzhen residents making spontaneous short trips to the SAR for shopping, dining or business far more convenient. With the number of Shenzhen residents eligible for the new policy being expanded to 18 million, the potential economic benefits for Hong Kong are enormous. Retailers, restaurants and service providers across the city stand to gain from this potential huge influx of visitors, injecting vitality into sectors that have been on life support for the past few years.
The latest move is part of a series of central government measures to support Hong Kong’s recovery efforts. In the past year, the mainland has introduced various initiatives to boost tourism and economic exchanges, including expanding the IVS for mainland travelers to more cities, increasing duty-free shopping allowances for mainland visitors, and launching high-speed rail sleeper services between Hong Kong and major mainland metropolises, such as Beijing and Shanghai.
Reviving the multiple-entry IVS for Shenzhen residents will fuel the momentum, underscoring the central government’s commitment to help Hong Kong regain its economic footing. However, while these supportive policies are indeed welcome, they’re not a substitute for Hong Kong’s own efforts to innovate and adapt. We must seize the opportunity to strengthen our unique appeal and ensure that the city’s remains competitive in a rapidly evolving global tourism market.
The preferences and habits of mainland tourists have shifted in recent years, and Hong Kong must adapt accordingly. Gone are the days when travelers would flock to the same few shopping districts and iconic landmarks. Today’s visitors seek more personalized and immersive experiences. To meet their demand, Hong Kong’s 18 districts could each develop their own unique attractions, creating deeper and more diverse travel experiences for visitors. These initiatives could include cultural tours, community-driven events, and off-the-beaten-path “instagrammable” spots. Not only would this enhance the overall visitor experience, but also alleviate congestion at traditional tourist spots, reduce the strain on local infrastructure and minimize disruptions to residents’ daily lives.
It’s equally important to improve transportation connectivity, particularly at boundary crossings. The HKSAR government should prioritize seamless transit options from immigration checkpoints to key tourist areas, hotels and city centers. Efficient transportation will encourage Shenzhen residents to make frequent visits, knowing they can easily access the city’s many attractions without logistical headaches.
The benefits of the multiple-entry IVS extend far beyond short-term economic gains. By facilitating more frequent exchanges between Shenzhen and Hong Kong, the policy will boost cross-boundary links and foster greater economic integration. It's also a reminder of the interconnectivity of the 11-city cluster Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area -- a region poised to become one of the world’s leading economic hubs.
Hong Kong should seize the momentum by pushing for the multiple-entry IVS to be expanded to other GBA cities on the mainland, such as Guangzhou. Doing so would not only attract more visitors, but also deepen economic and cultural collaboration across the region. By promoting two-way openness and integration within the GBA, Hong Kong can position itself as a gateway for global businesses and travelers looking to tap into the vast opportunities of southern China.
The reinstatement of the multiple-entry scheme policy for Shenzhen residents marks a turning point for Hong Kong. It provides a much needed shot in the arm for the SAR’s tourism and retail industries, while laying the groundwork for deeper regional integration. For this policy to succeed in the long term, Hong Kong must take proactive steps to enhance its tourist offers, improve infrastructure, and address the evolving preferences of mainland visitors.
This isn’t merely about economic recovery. It’s about reimagining Hong Kong’s role in a rapidly changing world. By embracing innovation and collaboration, we can transform today’s challenges into tomorrow’s opportunities, ensuring that the city remains a vibrant and dynamic destination for years to come. The multiple-entry program is not merely a policy – it’s a promise of renewal.
The author is the convener at China Retold, a member of the Legislative Council, and a member of the Central Committee of the New People’s Party.
The views do not necessarily reflect those of China Daily.
