The HKSAR Government announced today measures for the fifth round of the Anti-epidemic fund, including relief measures for the travel-related industries. There is a gap between the amount of subsidies and the industry’s expectation as the volatile pandemic situation has made business revival nowhere to be seen and caused indescribable suffering to the “frozen” industry. The TIC will keep monitoring the development of the situation, maintain a close contact with the Government and continue speaking up for the trade.

The TIC expresses its heartfelt gratitude to the HKSAR Government for extending the “Green Lifestyle Local Tour Incentive Scheme” and increasing the total financial commitment by HK$300 million. Thanks to the Government for listening to the voice of the trade. In an exceptionally difficult environment as it is now, the Incentive Scheme benefits traders by allowing them to organise local tours when inbound and outbound tourism has come to a standstill. Travel agents are able to maintain limited operation and frontline practitioners are provided with some job opportunities under the pandemic.

For details of the relief measures, please refer to the press release issued by the Government and pages 12 and 13 of the Annex.