The Hong Kong Tourism Board announced a standardized COVID-19 hygiene protocol in partnership with Hong Kong Quality Assurance Agency to provide unified guidelines on hygiene and anti-epidemic measures for tourism-related industries. More than 1,800 businesses and outlets expressed interest in adapting the new protocols.

Travelers, upon the resumption of inbound travel, will be able to easily recognize the measures in place across tourism-related sectors to boost their confidence in traveling to Hong Kong. HKTB will fully sponsor the application fee for qualified businesses.

The protocols cover shopping malls, hotels, tourism attractions, restaurants, retail, transportation companies, travel agencies and meeting, incentive, convention and exhibition venues. Participating businesses must comply with a series of hygiene and anti-epidemic measures. Once they pass the initial assessment, the businesses’ details are uploaded to a dedicated HKQAA website, and recognized businesses can display a logo to show their commitment to the protocol. HKQAA will conduct random visits for continued inspections.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has brought a new normal to the tourism landscape, and public health and safety have become a priority for visitors,” said Dr. YK Pang, chairman, HKTB. “Many international travel and tourism organizations have already put in place hygiene and anti-epidemic guidelines, and standardizing hygiene measures for each sector can spread to visitors the message that Hong Kong values its commitment to hygiene and safety.”

Hong Kong, its citizens and businesses worked together from the beginning of the pandemic to implement stringent hygiene measures and incorporate advanced cleaning technologies into daily operations. HKTB is currently working with Hong Kong SAR Government and the tourism industry to prepare for travel to resume. The goal is to welcome back visitors with exciting experiences and attractive offers.

“During the development of the standardized protocol, the HKQAA referred to the guidelines by the Center for Health Protection and the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department,” said Ir C. S. Ho, chairman, HKQAA. “We aim to promote best practices for hygiene and anti-pandemic measures across tourism-related sectors and acknowledge their efforts in combatting the pandemic through professional and impartial third-party verification, thus restoring public confidence in out-of-home consumption and travel.”

Does this make you feel more confident to return to international travel? Will you choose Hong Kong over another destination because of this program? What else can destinations do to make you feel more comfortable? Tell us about it. Email us at letters@globaltravelerusa.com. Please include your full name and location.