This month, Hong Kong will relax pandemic-related regulations for tour groups, the latest measure the city has made to welcome back tourists.

Later in November, according to the government, Hong Kong would permit tour groups to enter specific tourist destinations such as theme parks, museums, and temples, as well as dine in “partitioned areas” in specified restaurants. These tour groups must be received by licenced travel agents and their itinerary must be registered in advance.

Under the principle of striking a balance between epidemic risks and the need for economic development, and considering that the inbound tour group travellers concerned will be received and assisted to carry out tourist activities in accordance with anti-epidemic measures by travel agents and accompanied by licenced tourist guides, specific arrangements for inbound tour group travellers will be implemented this month, the government commented. “The relevant arrangements can support the gradual resumption of the inbound travel market in an orderly manner, and provide a more favourable business environment for the travel trade.”

It was initially unclear when these new regulations would take effect.

The move to make it easier for tour groups to visit comes weeks after Hong Kong eliminated its 3-day hotel quarantine, replacing it with a “0+3” policy that requires passengers to self-monitor for symptoms for three days but allows them to do so from home. During that time, tourists are permitted to go outside but are prohibited from entering pubs and restaurants.

The city has eliminated the necessity for passengers to undergo a PCR test prior to boarding a flight, and now requires them to perform a quick antigen test 24 hours in advance. After arrival, travellers must additionally undergo several PCR testing and daily fast antigen tests for seven days.

The new regulations on tour groups resemble a similar notion that was introduced in Japan prior to the nation’s reopening to independent tourists.