Hong Kong restarts ‘travel bubble’ talks with Japan, Thailand
Hong Kong has resumed talks for travel bubble agreements with several countries including Thailand and Japan.
Discussions with the two countries stalled earlier this summer as Covid-19 cases spiked.
In July Hong Kong experienced a third wave of more than 100 cases daily for several days.
HK commerce chief Edward Yau says it is speaking to about 10 countries and regions but talks with Japan and Thailand are at the most advanced stage.
"Travellers would take coronavirus tests that are mutually recognised, and the test results would be sent to the destination country via the flight companies for confirmation, before they were being allowed to board," Yau said.
Yau was speaking during a webinar hosted by the Hong Kong Productivity Council.
He said restarting travel to and from the countries could still be weeks or even months away.
"It may be some time yet before any arrangements are put in place, as all countries involved continue to monitor the development of the pandemic."
More than two million Hong Kong travellers visit Japan annually, according to the Japan National Tourism Organization.
Written by Ray Montgomery, Asia Pacific editor
TravelMole Editorial Team
Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
Phocuswright reveals the world's largest travel markets in volume in 2025
Cyclone in Sri Lanka had limited effect on tourism in contrary to media reports
Higher departure tax and visa cost, e-arrival card: Japan unleashes the fiscal weapon against tourists
In Italy, the Meloni government congratulates itself for its tourism achievements
Singapore to forbid entry to undesirable travelers with new no-boarding directive