Policy Address

23.         The Government has discussed the Individual Visit Scheme (IVS) and multiple entry permit arrangement with the Central Government over the past year.  We have also conveyed the different views of Hong Kong people about the expansion of the IVS.  The Central Government has agreed to a temporary freeze on the number of pilot cities for the IVS and the scope of the multiple entry permit arrangement.  The SAR Government will continue to communicate and co-ordinate with the relevant Mainland authorities to attract Mainland visitors in an appropriate and orderly manner in light of Hong Kong’s economic and social situations.

24.         The Government attaches great importance to the reputation of the tourism sector.  We are drafting new legislation to set up a Travel Industry Authority and will introduce a bill into this Council in the next legislative session.

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