Hong Kong – The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) has launched a standardised hygiene protocol, in partnership with the Hong Kong Quality Assurance Agency (HKQAA), providing a unified set of guidelines on hygiene and anti-epidemic measures for tourism-related industries.

The protocol aims to help the public easily recognise businesses and outlets with such measures in place in a bid to bolster visitors’ confidence in travelling to Hong Kong.

More than 1,800 businesses and outlets have expressed interest in adopting the protocol in their business, and the HKTB will fully sponsor application fees for qualified businesses to help relieve the financial burden on the trade, according to a press release.

HKTB chairman YK Pang said: “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 organisations have already put in place hygiene and anti-epidemic guidelines, and standardising hygiene measures for each sector can spread to visitors the message that different sectors across Hong Kong value their commitment to hygiene and safety.”

The protocol will be launched in two phases. The first phase, which has opened for applications yesterday (October 8), covers shopping malls, hotels, attractions, inbound tour operators, and restaurants and retail outlets under the Quality Tourism Services Scheme. The second phase will include cross-boundary coach companies, tour coach companies, MICE venues, and other retail and dining merchants, etc.

Participating businesses and outlets are required to comply with a series of hygiene and anti-epidemic measures. After passing the assessment, details of the businesses and outlets will be uploaded to a dedicated website of the HKQAA. The businesses and outlets can display a designated logo for recognition to show their commitment to the hygiene and anti-epidemic protocol. The HKQAA will conduct random visits for continued inspections. (TTG)