Latest news with #PerryYiuPak-leung
The Standard
22-04-2025
- Business
- The Standard
Airport departure tax hike faces legislative pushback
A proposed increase in Hong Kong's airport departure tax from HK$120 to HK$200, set to take effect in October, is facing unexpected opposition, with lawmakers warning it could damage the city's aviation competitiveness. The measure, included in this year's Budget to generate an estimated HK$1.6 billion annually, has drawn criticism across party lines during Legislative Council Bills Committee meetings. Tourism sector lawmaker Perry Yiu Pak-leung has been particularly vocal, calling for a lower tax of HK$160 while expanding tax exemption periods. "The sudden increase is too steep and undermines our airport's appeal, especially for budget carriers and transit passengers," Yiu said. Acknowledging the Financial Services and Treasury Bureau's acceptance of extending tax exemptions for transit passengers departing the next calendar day, he maintains that the overall increase remains problematic. The bills committee could enter clause-by-clause scrutiny as early as next Monday (Apr 28). Committee chair Lee Chun-keung confirmed that if Yiu's amendment passes, it would be presented to the full council under the committee's name. Several committee members have signaled support for moderation. Lawmaker Gary Zhang Xinyu argued for gradual increases, noting that: "What seems a small amount to some represents a significant pricing factor for budget travelers." Another member, Lam Chun-sing, urged balancing government revenue needs with maintaining Hong Kong's status as an aviation hub. Aviation industry representatives warn the tax could particularly impact the recovering budget airline sector and transit traffic, which accounts for 20 percent of the city's airport passengers. Lawmaker Rock Chen Chung-nin, also an Airport Authority board member, cautioned that while long-haul routes have largely recovered, future growth depends on attracting more budget carriers. Chen also suggested requiring Transport and Logistics Bureau representatives at future meetings to address technical questions as treasury officials seem to lack aviation policy expertise. However, some lawmakers believe little chance of further concessions on departure tax, given that the government has accepted the tax-free extension for transit passengers. Some pointed out that the tax increase has a minimal impact on the overall travel costs for passengers and the airport's competitiveness. (Ayra Wang)
South China Morning Post
15-03-2025
- Business
- South China Morning Post
Hong Kong's Kai Tak Sports Park area needs stronger business ecosystem: lawmakers
Hong Kong lawmakers have called for more efforts to boost the business ecosystem around Kai Tak Sports Park to encourage retail and restaurant spending in the area, with the Rugby Sevens set to move to the venue next month. Advertisement Perry Yiu Pak-leung, a legislator representing the tourism sector, also said on Saturday that most hotel bookings for the event, which runs from March 28 to 30, were for locations on Hong Kong Island. He added that visitors were more used to that side of the city, even as the event moved from Hong Kong Stadium in Causeway Bay to the new venue in Kai Tak. Yiu also noted that 80 per cent of tickets had been snapped up for the Hong Kong Sevens, but argued more efforts were needed to ensure spectators would benefit other businesses in the area. 'Kai Tak Sports Park itself has a lot of related complementary [promotions], and during the matches, there will also be a lot of outdoor activities,' he said, expecting the activities to bring more people to nearby Kowloon City and San Po Kong. Advertisement 'It will take time for observation and integration of the whole economic ecosystem around Kai Tak Sports Park to happen.' Yiu stressed that there should be no repeat of fans being asked to leave mid-match, which occurred during the World Grand Prix snooker tournament, especially since the Sevens was a high-profile event with a long history in Hong Kong.
South China Morning Post
08-02-2025
- Business
- South China Morning Post
Offer multiple-entry Hong Kong visas to tourists in Beijing, Shanghai: lawmaker
Hong Kong should seek to expand its multiple-entry visa scheme for Shenzhen residents to cover Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou to attract more overnight visitors, a lawmaker has said, as a tourism industry leader revealed the number of inbound travellers over the Lunar New Year period had fallen from 2024. The existing policy allows Shenzhen residents to apply for multiple-entry endorsements that enable holders to freely enter Hong Kong within a one-year validity period. But legislator Perry Yiu Pak-leung, who represents the tourism sector, said on Saturday that Hong Kong tour operators were struggling to pitch packages to visitors from the neighbouring city. He noted that many travellers from Shenzhen were already very familiar with Hong Kong and were unlikely to stay overnight. 'I think it is worth requesting that the central government include Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou in the multiple-entry visa scheme,' he told a radio programme. 'There are already good transport arrangements and these three cities have strong business ties with Hong Kong, so we want to attract more business and leisure travellers who will stay overnight.'
