HKTB and STB Collaborate to Welcome Travelers on th e Launch of th e Bilateral, All-purpose and Quarantine-free Air Travel Bubb le
The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) and the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) on November 11, announced a collaboration to welcome the launch of the Hong Kong-singapore Air Travel Bubble, ahead of the departure of the first flights on November 22, 2020.
The Hong Kong-singapore Air Travel Bubble (ATB)— a bilateral, all- purpose and quarantine- free arrangement— is a milestone for the global tourism industry, and paves the way for a safe resumption of international travel. The partnership between the HKTB and the STB is also the first between the two tourism boards. It demonstrates the close ties between the two destinations, as well as a mutual commitment to provide visitors with a safe travel experience.
HKTB Executive Director Dane Cheng said: “I am excited to see the resumption of travel between Hong Kong and Singapore. It is a hugely important moment that shows the world that safe international travel is possible, and paves the way for us to bring tourist flights to and from other markets. Thanks to the united efforts of people in different sectors in stepping up their hygiene measures, we are confident Hong Kong is clean and ready to welcome visitors back. What’s more, we have laid on a selection of amazing offers for our visitors, including hotels and attractions, a diverse selection of travel experiences, and incredible value- for- money deals.”
STB Chief Executive Officer Keith Tan said: “The Air Travel Bubble is a significant milestone that demonstrates the deep connections and close friendship between Singapore and Hong Kong. Singapore is well- equipped to handle the Covid-19 crisis, and with our strong track record, we are confident that Hong Kong travelers can explore Singapore with a peace of mind. Singapore’s tourism industry has reinvented our offerings, with new products and experiences that will surprise visitors even if they have been to Singapore before. Together with our tourism partners, Singapore stands ready to welcome Hong Kong travelers to Singapore.”
The health and safety of locals and travel
ers remain a key priority. To provide visitors with peace of mind, both destinations have already put in place city- wide certification programs for hygiene and safety. The HKTB has rolled out the Anti- Epidemic Hygiene Measures Certification Scheme to ensure that every touch point of visitors’ journey is covered with anti- epidemic measures. Mean
while, Singapore’s SG Clean is a national mark of excellence awarded to businesses across Singapore— including tourism establishments— that meet its high standards of hygiene and sanitization.
As part of the partnership, the tourism boards of the two cities will undertake joint promotional activities such as coordinated social- media content. Both tourism boards have also prepared special gifts to welcome the first batch of visitors on the ATB, such as a limited- edition reusable face mask that showcases unique aspects of both cities. Travelers on the first ATB flights out of both cities on November 22 will also be treated to a special inflight menu that includes local favorites from Hong Kong and Singapore, curated by Cathay Pacific and Singapore Airlines. This menu will be available on all ATB flights till end of this year.
With the ATB, both cities are ready to shower visitors with a series of compelling experiences. Hong Kong will welcome the winter holidaymakers from Singapore with its renowned sparkling Christmas celebrations, together with a host of gastronomical offers from the Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival. It is also the best hiking and cycling season to get fully immersed in Hong Kong’s Great Outdoors. For the art lovers, world- class exhibitions such as Hong Kong Spotlight by Art Basel and Botticelli and His Times— Masterworks from the Uffizi in the Hong Kong Museum of Arts are not to be missed.
Travelers to both destinations can also look forward to attractive deals and experiences from a range of tourism partners. These offers are available on the HKTB’S all- in- one platform ( discoverhongkong.com/ Travelbubble) and STB’S one-stop visitor portal ( visitsingapore.com/ hk- deals).