National Day Tourism Boost: Addressing Labour Shortages in Hong Kong's Tourism Industry
Labour Shortage Challenges Despite National Day Boost
Hong Kong's tourism industry faces a significant challenge in meeting the projected 46 million visitors for 2024, as indicated by legislative councillor Perry Yiu Pak-leung. With only 34 million tourists welcomed so far this year, there’s a lingering shortfall of 12 million.
Urgent Need for Policy Changes
- Industry leaders urge the government to adjust the Vocational Professionals Admission Scheme to allow more foreign students to work as tour guides.
- Gianna Hsu Wong Mei-lun, chair of the Travel Industry Council, reports a rise in overnight travel groups, positively impacting the economy.
Overcoming Workforce Limitations
Despite the surge in tourism during National Day, the labour shortages persist, presenting a hurdle for travel agencies in serving increased tourist numbers. Gianna Hsu emphasizes the need for more qualified tour guides and related personnel as the workforce remains less than 50% of pre-pandemic levels.
Regulatory Recommendations for a Better Experience
- Increased access to Chung Ying Street could enhance tourist experiences, as suggested by Yiu.
- Stricter regulations on unlicensed tour operators to protect consumer rights and ensure quality service.
- Encouragement of visitors to rely on licensed travel agencies to prevent risks and ensure satisfaction.
For further details, it is recommended to explore more about these developments in the tourism sector.
This article was prepared using information from open sources in accordance with the principles of Ethical Policy. The editorial team is not responsible for absolute accuracy, as it relies on data from the sources referenced.