To control the COVID-19 pandemic, the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) launched in cooperation with the Hong Kong Quality Assurance Agency (HKQAA), a standardized hygiene protocol.
Hong Kong has been a leader with regards to introducing hygiene and safety measures since the beginning of the COVID-19 outbreak. Through close cooperation between the public sector, citizens and businesses, measures such as social distancing, compulsory face masks, regular hand disinfection and temperature controls are being implemented.
Businesses in the tourism sector are particularly active in implementing these measures.
The new Hygiene Protocol now aims to provide a single set of guidelines on hygiene and anti-epidemic measures for the tourism-related industry, which customers and visitors can easily recognize and understand, to better prepare Hong Kong for the resumption of inbound tourism.
Dr. YK Pang, Chairman of the HKTB, explains:
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought a new normal to the tourism landscape, and public health and safety have become a priority for visitors. 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 different sectors across Hong Kong value their commitment to hygiene and safety. I am excited that more than 1,800 businesses and outlets already expressed interest in the protocol.
The Protocol will cover shopping centers, hotels, restaurants, retail outlets, bus companies, tourist attractions, travel agencies and more. Participating businesses and points of sale will have to comply with a number of hygiene and anti-epidemic measures. Once they have passed the assessment, details of the companies and outlets will be uploaded to a dedicated HKQAA website. The companies and outlets can use a special logo for recognition to show their commitment to the protocol. The HKQAA will carry out random visits for further inspections.
