One month after launch, Hong Kong’s “Southbound Travel for Guangdong Vehicles (Entry into Urban Area)” pilot has received 2,537 applications and issued more than 1,000 confirmed booking slots, Transport and Logistics Secretary Mable Chan told reporters on 23 January. (scmp.com)
The scheme allows private cars registered in Guangdong to enter Hong Kong via the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge and circulate in urban districts under a daily quota now set at 2,000 vehicles. Unlike the long-standing “Northbound” programme for Hongkongers, mainland drivers do not need to secure a local insurance policy—coverage is bundled into the electronic permit.
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Hoteliers and retailers see the plan as a lifeline ahead of the Lunar New Year Golden Week. The Federation of Hong Kong Hotel Owners estimates each car party could spend HK$4,000–HK$6,000 per night on rooms, dining and parking packages.
Logistics operators also welcome the easier cross-boundary access for small vans carrying high-value e-commerce parcels, although they are lobbying for a dedicated lane at the bridge checkpoint to prevent bottlenecks.
Officials will review the quota after six months. If expanded, the scheme could reshape weekend travel patterns and boost occupancy in secondary districts such as Tsuen Wan, where large hotels have ample parking.
The scheme allows private cars registered in Guangdong to enter Hong Kong via the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge and circulate in urban districts under a daily quota now set at 2,000 vehicles. Unlike the long-standing “Northbound” programme for Hongkongers, mainland drivers do not need to secure a local insurance policy—coverage is bundled into the electronic permit.
Hoteliers and retailers see the plan as a lifeline ahead of the Lunar New Year Golden Week. The Federation of Hong Kong Hotel Owners estimates each car party could spend HK$4,000–HK$6,000 per night on rooms, dining and parking packages.
Logistics operators also welcome the easier cross-boundary access for small vans carrying high-value e-commerce parcels, although they are lobbying for a dedicated lane at the bridge checkpoint to prevent bottlenecks.
Officials will review the quota after six months. If expanded, the scheme could reshape weekend travel patterns and boost occupancy in secondary districts such as Tsuen Wan, where large hotels have ample parking.
Source: South China Morning Post
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