Explainer | What is the newly expanded solo traveller scheme and how will Hong Kong benefit? Analysts unsure over repeat of post-Sars economic, tourism boom

Beijing to allow more mainland Chinese tourists to visit Hong Kong after adding Qingdao and Xian to list of eligible cities under solo traveller scheme

First change to scheme since 2007 is part of efforts to revive tourism, but analysts caution over setting high expectations of swift economic impact

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Visitors at the Avenue of Stars in Tsim Sha Tsui. The solo traveller scheme was introduced in 2003 to help the economy after the Sars epidemic. Photo: Jelly Tse

Published: 1:00pm, 25 Feb 2024Updated: 7:28pm, 25 Feb 2024

Beijing will allow more mainland Chinese tourists to visit Hong Kong after expanding a solo traveller scheme that was first introduced two decades ago to help the financial hub recover from the economic shock waves of the Sars epidemic.

The initial move in July 2003, which allowed residents of certain mainland cities to visit Hong Kong on an individual basis rather than in tour groups, boosted the economy and tourism but also sparked controversy.

Authorities on Friday announced the scheme would be expanded from March 6, for the first time since 2007, to allow residents from the cities of Qingdao and Xian to visit.

The Post examines the scheme’s evolution and assesses whether its strong economic impact will be repeated.

Tourists at Golden Bauhinia Square in Wan Chai in June 2003, following the roll-out of the solo traveller scheme. Initially, the plan targeted residents of four cities in Guangdong province. Photo: K. Y. Cheng

1. How did the Individual Visit Scheme come about?

During the outbreak of the severe acute respiratory syndrome (Sars) from March to June in 2003, Hong Kong’s economic growth was “abruptly derailed”, according to a government report for that year.