HK, mainland keep tour channels normal

HK, mainland keep tour channels normal

Tourism administrations at all levels in the Chinese mainland have made no decisions to suspend the tour between Hong Kong and the hinterland, a spokesman for the Hong Kong Tourism Commission said on Apr.15.

In response to media inquiries, the spokesman said the Tourism Commission of Hong Kong has contacted the China National Tourism Administration and was informed that "neither the Administration nor local tourism authorities had issued any advice or instruction to stop processing of organizing group tours to Hong Kong."

Local media reported that the mainland's largest city Shanghai has banned tour groups from travelling to Hong Kong due to the disease Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS).

To prevent the spreading of SARS via tourism, the Hong Kong government has taken strict measures, including checking the tourists' health conditions and preventing those who have close relations with the SARS patients from leaving Hong Kong. The government therefore said no restrictions were placed on Hong Kong travelers.