Hong Kong Tourism Struggling as COVID Measures Remain in Place
Staff, 2022-11-28 13:20:45,
Ongoing pandemic restrictions have failed to curb the spread of COVID-19 in Hong Kong, say experts, as the city struggles to regain its footing in the tourist industry.
The city has long been regarded as an open destination for travelers from abroad, but with strictly enforced restrictions in place for nearly three years, Hong Kong remains closed to many international visitors.
And those who make their living from tourist dollars say the ongoing policies are bad for business.
Ashley Yue, a food tour guide at Hong Kong Food Crawlers, saw her bookings increase in 2018 after her tours were featured in British TV series “Travel Man: 48 Hours in Hong Kong.”
Since the pandemic, she acknowledges having to juggle other jobs.
“I got two office jobs since the pandemic, and I’ve been busking on the side and picking up freelance here and there to make ends meet. I’m only doing private tours these days and I won’t be opening up my group tours anytime soon because there’s just not enough tourists, and it’s not worth the effort,” she said.
For Rory Mackay, his adventure tour company Wild Hong Kong has had to restructure, and he has since moved to New Zealand.
“Wild Hong Kong has survived but has not thrived. We have had to be adaptable and continue to shift our point of…
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