Hong Kong tourism dropped from new 5-year plan

NPC Standing Committee member Rita Fan speaks to reporters in Beijing. Photo: RTHK

Rita Fan

Developing tourism in Hong Kong has not been mentioned in the central government’s new five-year plan. The previous plan had expressed support for the industry.



Speaking in Beijing at the opening of the annual session of the National People’s Congress, NPC Standing Committee member, Rita Fan, said it was pragmatic for the central government not to include tourism.



Fan said many people in Hong Kong had been critical of mainland tourists. She said the Chief Executive, CY Leung, had also asked for the individual travel visa scheme to be tightened, following an outcry here over a shortage of essential goods near the border.



Fan said she wouldn't expect the central government to put an unachievable target in the plan.