Hong Kong’s southbound travel scheme is 1 month old. Are people signing up?

Hong Kong transport authorities have received more than 2,500 applications in the first month of a scheme allowing Guangdong drivers to enter the city’s urban areas, with a hotel industry leader saying he hopes that the policy’s daily quota could be expanded.Secretary for Transport and Logistics Mable Chan said on Friday that she looked forward to welcoming more mainland Chinese car owners, adding they could enjoy a series of Lunar New Year promotions set to be held next month in collaboration with hotels, caterers, shopping malls and theme parks.“Within the last month, it is encouraging to see that more than 2,500 people have applied to the scheme. [Among them], more than 1,000 have made a booking,” she revealed.Since December 23 last year, mainland drivers have been allowed to travel to Hong Kong using their own cars under the “Southbound Travel for Guangdong Vehicles (Entry into Urban Area)” scheme.The policy permits approved vehicles from Guangdong province to enter the city during booked time slots and travel via the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge.Secretary for Transport and Logistics Mable Chan has said she looks forward to welcoming more mainland Chinese car owners. Photo: Edmond SoChan expected application numbers to climb as the mainland’s extended Lunar New Year break approached, with tourism industry stakeholders rolling out incentives to encourage drivers to park at partner hotels and stay in the city for several nights.