Tag Archives: China

     The Government announced today (December 29) that the Characteristic Local Tourism Incentive Scheme (CTIS) will accept applications from eligible travel agents from January 1, 2024.

     The Government launched the Cultural and Heritage Sites Local Tour Incentive Scheme (CHIS) in October 2022 which aims at incentivising the travel trade to develop more tourism products and itineraries with cultural and heritage elements. The CHIS received enthusiastic response from the trade with characteristic tourism products rolled out one after another. As such, the Government announced in the 2023 Policy Address that the CHIS will be transformed into the CTIS to provide more in-depth itinerary design, training, etc, with a view to further promoting the development of thematic tours, including national history, green ecology, marine, traditional culture, pop culture, intangible cultural heritage experiences, night time adventure, thereby promoting the long-term and sustainable development of tourism industry.

     The CTIS is divided into two parts, namely the in-depth travel and thematic travel. The application period of in-depth travel will be from January 1, 2024 until July 31, 2024. Eligible travel agents may receive cash incentives in respect of each participant of in-depth travel they serve. Each eligible travel agent may apply for $200 cash incentives for each participant of in-depth travel it serves, and the quota for applying for the cash incentives is 100 participants each from local and inbound tour. The itinerary must cover at least two designated sites of in-depth travel and one interactive tourist experience activity with Hong Kong’s unique and authentic experience recognised under the CTIS.

     As regards the second part of thematic travel, each eligible travel agent may apply for $400 cash incentives for each participant of thematic travel it serves, and the quota for applying for the cash incentives is 100 participants each from local and inbound tour. Travel agent has to focus on six distinctive themes, including national history, green ecology, marine, traditional culture, pop culture, and creative travel in designing the itinerary and provide visitors with a captivating and in-depth travel experience in Hong Kong. Details of the application will be announced in mid-January, along with the promulgation of the six winning thematic itineraries under the Deeper into Hong Kong: Creative Itinerary Design Competition.

     Itineraries applying for both in-depth travel and thematic travel cash incentives are required to meet the general requirements under the CTIS including reception by licensed tourist guides/tour escorts who have completed training courses recognised by the CTIS, transportation, insurance and meal arrangement, etc.

     The Travel Industry Council of Hong Kong (TIC) is the implementation agent of the CTIS. In order to assist travel agents in organising more thematic tours, the TIC will liaise with different organisations to organise in-depth local tour docent training courses under the CTIS for licensed tourist guides and tour escorts, so as to further enhance the service quality of practitioners of the tourism industry.

     Application details of the part of in-depth travel under the CTIS is now available on the website of the TIC (www.tichk.org/). read more

     The Immigration Department Youth Leaders Corps (IDYL) held the 10th Anniversary Grand Parade at the Immigration Service Institute of Training and Development (ISITD) in Tuen Mun today (December 29). The Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, reviewed a total of 85 IDYL members.
 
     In his speech, Mr Chan stressed that young people form a vital force in safeguarding the long-term prosperity and stability of Hong Kong, and promoting Hong Kong’s integration into the country’s overall development. He recognised the efforts of the Immigration Department (ImmD) in youth training and hoped that the IDYL will continue to pass the baton to the new generation.
 
     After the Grand Parade, Mr Chan officiated at the 10th Anniversary Celebration Ceremony together with the Director of Immigration, Mr Benson Kwok, and members of the Management Committee of the IDYL, and presented the certificates of promotion to the IDYL members who completed the training and assessments.
 
     At the ceremony, Mr Kwok stated that the ImmD attaches great importance to youth work. He expressed his gratitude to the Advisory Committee for their dedicated contribution of valuable advice and resources to the IDYL’s development, and to member schools for their long-term partnership with the ISITD to provide regular training for IDYL members. Looking ahead, he hoped that under his leadership, the ImmD will continue to guard the country’s southern gateway while nurturing new blood for the country through efforts in youth work. The Commissioner of the IDYL, Dr Cheng Kam-chung, mentioned that the Advisory Committee will continue to support the IDYL in creating opportunities for the growth and development of Hong Kong young people.
 
     The ImmD formed its youth uniformed group in December 2013 and the group was officially renamed the Immigration Department Youth Leaders Corps in 2021 to provide disciplinary and leadership training for Hong Kong young people. Through diversified training and group activities, it aims to develop members’ affection for the country and Hong Kong and their law-abiding awareness. It also aims to nurture a young generation of good character, strong leadership skills, positive thinking and enthusiasm for serving the community among members.

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     The Transport Department (TD) today (December 29) reminded the public that the following special traffic and transport arrangements will be implemented on New Year’s Eve (December 31) to facilitate the fireworks display at Victoria Harbour and related holiday celebration activities.
 
Road closures
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     Road closures and traffic diversions will be implemented in phases from noon on that day in the road sections in the vicinity of Wan Chai, Central District and the Peak on Hong Kong Island. The section of Island Eastern Corridor westbound between Victoria Park Road and Man Hong Street will be temporarily closed to all vehicular traffic (except for franchised buses) from 11.55pm until the reopening of roads.
 
     Road closures and traffic diversions will be implemented in phases in the vicinity of Tsim Sha Tsui and West Kowloon Cultural District in Kowloon from about 6pm until the crowds disperse and the roads reopen. Motorists are advised to avoid driving to the above affected areas. In case of traffic congestion, motorists should exercise patience and drive with care, and follow the instructions of the Police on site.
 
Public transport services arrangements
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(i) In connection with the road closure arrangements, the bus and green minibus (GMB) routes operating in the affected areas will be subject to diversion or suspension, and the associated bus and GMB stops located within the affected areas will be suspended or relocated accordingly.

(ii) The following MTR service enhancements will be implemented on New Year’s Eve:

• Island Line, Tsuen Wan Line, Kwun Tong Line, Tseung Kwan O Line (sections between North Point – Po Lam and between Tiu Keng Leng – LOHAS Park), South Island Line, Tung Chung Line, East Rail Line (section between Admiralty – Sheung Shui), Tuen Ma Line, and Light Rail Routes 505, 507, 610, 614P, 615P, 706 and 751 will provide overnight services;
• The service levels of Island Line, South Island Line, Tsuen Wan Line, Kwun Tong Line, East Rail Line and Tung Chung Line will be strengthened gradually from 7am on that day;
• The operating hours of Disneyland Resort Line and MTR Bus Route Nos. 506, K51 and K54 will be extended;
   

(iii) Special bus services of KMB Route No. N64P, Citybus Route Nos. 4S, 18R and 38S and Cross Harbour Route No. 967N will be operated in the small hours on January 1. The service level and operating hours of various bus routes (including 19 KMB routes and three Citybus routes) will be strengthened or extended respectively;

(iv) The operating hours of eight GMB routes in Kowloon and the New Territories will be extended;

(v) Tram services will be extended to 1am the following day and will also be strengthened subject to passenger demand;

(vi) Star Ferry, Sun Ferry, Hong Kong and Kowloon Ferry, Discovery Bay Transportation Services and Park Island Transport will gradually adjust and suspend part of their services from 10.30pm on that night to facilitate the holding of the fireworks display; and

(vii) In connection with the road closure arrangements in the vicinity of Wan Chai North, the terminus of the cross-boundary coach service plying between Wan Chai and Huanggang Port at the Exhibition Centre Station Public Transport Interchange will be suspended from 8.30pm on that night until the roads reopen. During that period, passengers can use the pick-up point at Hennessy Road westbound near Southorn Centre.
 
Central to Mid-Levels Escalator and Walkway System Services
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(i) The operating hours of the Central to Mid-Levels Escalator and Walkway System on New Year’s Eve will be extended to 3am the following day.
 
     For details of the special traffic and public transport arrangements, members of the public may visit the TD’s website (www.td.gov.hk) or mobile application “HKeMobility”. Passengers may also refer to the passenger notices displayed by the relevant public transport operators.
 
     Members of the public are advised to make use of public transport services as far as possible to avoid traffic congestion and unnecessary delays. The TD and the Police will closely monitor the traffic situation and implement appropriate measures when necessary. The Police may adjust the traffic arrangements subject to the prevailing crowd and traffic conditions in the areas. The public should pay attention to the latest traffic news through radio, television or “HKeMobility”. read more

     A spokesman for the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) said today (December 29) that the FEHD has introduced online renewal services for some food business licences, restricted food permits and other trade licences (excluding General Restaurant/Light Refreshment Restaurant/Factory Canteen Licence and Karaoke Establishment Permit). Members of the public can visit the FEHD’s website (www.fehd.gov.hk/english/es/internet_payment.html) for details on types of licences and permits to which the online renewal services are applicable. Following the instructions stated on the notification letter, relevant licensees or permittees may choose to renew and pay the fee through the “Online Licence Services” website (www.licensing.gov.hk) by using “iAM Smart”. After completion of the process, the FEHD will mail the original copy of licence or permit to the correspondence address of the licensees or permittees.

     Online payment accepts credit cards (Visa, JCB, MasterCard and Union Pay) and PPS payment. After completing an online payment, members of the public should print and retain the acknowledgement page, which contains key information about the transaction or a reference number that will allow them to check the transaction status when necessary.

     Meanwhile, licensees or permittees may continue to use the existing renewal methods, which are to visit the Licence Issuing Offices in person, or send by post or pay by e-Cheque. read more

     The Department of Health (DH)’s Consultant (Family Medicine) Dr Cecilia Fan today (December 29) received the National Outstanding Individuals in the Foreign Medical Aid commendation by the National Health Commission in Beijing, which recognises the contribution and participation of Dr Fan and the DH team as part of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) search and rescue team to support frontline rescue members to save lives in the earthquake-stricken areas of Türkiye early this year. The Director of Health, Dr Ronald Lam, expressed his heartfelt congratulations to Dr Fan and the DH team, and hailed her and the teammates as the pride of the department and role models for colleagues.
      
     Speaking after the award presentation, Dr Fan said that she is very grateful for the country’s commendation and it is the greatest pride for her. She also felt honoured to be trusted and nominated by the HKSAR Government and the department. She added that the search and rescue team only got hold of limited information before departure and she needed to prepare suitable medicines, first-aid supplies, emergency medical devices and medical outreach equipment within a short period of time. Therefore, the commendation does not belong to her personally, as it took the co-operation of the whole team for the pre-departure preparation to be completed swiftly and efficiently. She thanked again the three colleagues of the DH medical team for working alongside her in the rescue operation and other colleagues of the DH for their strong support behind the scenes. She has learnt a lot from members of the search and rescue team from other departments who demonstrated professionalism and team spirit at all times. The experience enriched her career and she promised to treasure the honour by passing on the relevant experience. 
      
     Dr Lam said, “Despite the extreme adverse and dangerous environment, Dr Fan and her team demonstrated bravery and professionalism when taking care of the health of the search and rescue team members around the clock. The department is honoured that Dr Fan and her team’s effort has been recognised by the country. The search and rescue team’s effort and contribution are not only highly praised by the Türkiye Government and their citizens, but they were also commended locally by being awarded the first Chief Executive’s Award for Exemplary Performance and the Chief Executive’s Commendation for Government/Public Service. Their selfless dedication has also gained support from Hong Kong people. They are the pride of the HKSAR.”
      
     Dr Lam pointed out that the participation in the rescue operation showcased DH colleagues’ spirit of serving people with professionalism and dedication, which will set a good example and influence and inspire more people. It is commendable that Dr Fan and her team overcame difficulties and danger and worked as a team to accomplish the mission with a passion to save lives and their professionalism. Dr Lam also extended his appreciation to colleagues of the Port Health Division, the Health Administration and Planning Office and the Departmental Administration Division of the DH, who formed an emergency back-up team for the frontline medical team to render round-the-clock support and provide necessary supplies.
      
     The DH sent a four-person medical team to join the 59-strong search and rescue team deployed by the HKSAR Government this February to assist the search and rescue work at the quake-stricken areas in Türkiye. The medical team safeguarded the physical and mental health of the search and rescue team members during the operation. Before departure, the Port Health Division of the DH arranged vaccination for all the search and rescue team members. The medical team comprises two family medicine specialists and two public health nursing officers. Led by Dr Fan, the medical team prepared sufficient medicine, disinfection and first-aid supplies, and implemented the infection control measures to prevent outbreak of infectious diseases and hypothermia among search and rescue team members. The medical team also provided 24-hour medical support to members ensuring that they were in their best condition to carry out the rescue duties. The search and rescue team successfully rescued four survivors from the quake-stricken areas at the end.
      
     This year marks the 60th anniversary of the dispatch of the Mainland foreign aid medical teams, and the 10th anniversary of the promulgation of the Chinese medical team spirit. The spirit of international humanitarianism has been demonstrated by generations of foreign aid medical teams, with their outstanding medical skills and high standard of moral values. They are dedicated to serving the people in need and enhancing the healthcare development and health levels in recipient countries. The Mainland’s international medical aid team executes the noble spirit – no fear of hardships, willingness to dedicate, saving lives and great love with practical actions – and jointly builds a shared human health community.

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