Hong Kong and Qingdao Deepen Tourism Ties Following Expansion of Individual Visit Scheme

Kevin Yeung, Hong Kong's Secretary for Culture, Sports & Tourism, met with Meng Qingbin, Chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference Qingdao Municipal Committee, to discuss strengthening tourism ties between Hong Kong and Qingdao. The meeting followed the central government's expansion of the Individual Visit Scheme to Qingdao on March 6, 2023, which will result in increased interactions between residents of the two cities.

Yeung pointed out that the rise in visitors from Qingdao demonstrates that the enhancement measures are well-received by Qingdao residents, and he encouraged Qingdao residents to visit Hong Kong to experience the city's distinctive local culture. "The expansion of the Individual Visit Scheme to Qingdao on March 6, 2023 has led to more frequent contacts between residents of the two cities, and that Qingdao residents have warmly welcomed the enhancement measures," Yeung said.

The Culture, Sports & Tourism Bureau emphasized that both Hong Kong and Shandong Province possess abundant tourism resources, and Shandong Province has been actively developing its cultural industry to establish an internationally recognized cultural tourism destination. Moreover, international cruise companies have resumed various journeys to include both Hong Kong and Qingdao.

Why this matters: The strengthening tourism ties between Hong Kong and Qingdao reflect the increasing economic and cultural exchanges between the two cities. As Hong Kong continues to position itself as an East-meets-West center for international cultural exchange, the collaboration with Qingdao presents new opportunities for tourism and cultural industries in both regions.

Yeung expressed appreciation for the Central Government's policy to benefit Hong Kong and stressed that Hong Kong will continue to leverage its position as an East-meets-West center for international cultural exchange to provide more exchange opportunities to people of both places. The meeting between Yeung and Meng Qingbin highlights the commitment of both cities to strengthen their tourism and cultural ties, setting the stage for further economic growth and people-to-people exchanges.

Key Takeaways

• Hong Kong and Qingdao to strengthen tourism ties after expansion of Individual Visit Scheme.
• Qingdao residents warmly welcomed the enhancement measures, leading to more frequent contacts.
• Both cities possess abundant tourism resources and are developing cultural tourism destinations.
• Hong Kong positioned as an East-meets-West center for international cultural exchange.
• Collaboration presents new opportunities for tourism and cultural industries in both regions.