Hong Kong is embarking on an innovative journey to reshape the local travel landscape with a newly announced Characteristic Local Tourism Incentive Scheme. Set to begin Jan. 1, 2024, this scheme is a game-changer for travel agents and tourists alike, offering cash incentives to promote tours across the city's vibrant locales.
The scheme is neatly divided into two parts: in-depth travel and thematic travel.
For in-depth travel, the application period spans from Jan. 1 to July 31. Here, travel agents can receive a HK$200 cash incentive for each participant they serve, with a quota set at 100 participants for both local and inbound tours. The crux of these tours lies in their itineraries, which must encompass at least two designated sites of in-depth travel and one interactive tourist experience that highlights Hong Kong's unique charm.
The thematic travel part of the scheme is even more lucrative, offering HK$400 per participant with the same quota limit. Travel agents are encouraged to focus on six distinct themes: national history, green ecology, marine life, traditional culture, pop culture, and creative travel.
Application details are set to be announced in mid-January, alongside the six winning thematic itineraries from the "Deeper into Hong Kong: Creative Itinerary Design Competition." This initiative is not just about promoting tourism; it’s about creating a deeper, more meaningful connection with the city’s heritage, nature, and culture.
Supporting this innovative scheme, the Travel Industry Council will offer in-depth local tour docent training courses for licensed tourist guides and travel escorts. This move aims to enhance the service quality of tourism practitioners.
