Mainland China honors Tung Chee-hwa for opening Hong Kong to tourists

Mainland Chinese citizens have honoured the late Tung Chee-hwa, Hong Kong's first chief executive, crediting him with launching a solo-travel programme in 2003 that allowed millions of mainland visitors to experience the city and forge lasting memories for middle-class families.

Travel scheme expanded across China

The Individual Visit Scheme began with a limited number of cities in Guangdong province more than two decades ago and has since expanded to 59 cities across China, reaching as far west as Urumqi in Xinjiang. The programme drove mainland arrivals to Hong Kong up more than fivefold since its inception.

Henry Tang Ying-yen, who held the position of financial secretary when the scheme was introduced, described it as part of a wider strategy to synchronise with the mainland's reform and opening-up policies while building mutual understanding between residents across the border.

Post-SARS economic recovery

"It was introduced in the post-Sars era when cross-boundary exchanges were seriously impeded," Tang told the South China Morning Post. He was referring to the severe acute respiratory syndrome outbreak that disrupted movement between the mainland and Hong Kong.

"Individual visitors from the mainland contributed to our economy," Tang added.

The policy not only shaped unforgettable experiences for a generation of mainland travellers but also delivered significant economic benefits to Hong Kong during a critical recovery period.

Source: South China Morning Post