Hong Kong Flings Open Its Doors: The Fragrant Harbor Beckons Again
Hong Kong Flings Open Its Doors: The Fragrant Harbor Beckons Again - No More Quarantine for All Arrivals
After more than two years of strict COVID-19 restrictions, Hong Kong has finally lifted its draconian quarantine requirements for all incoming travelers as of September 26, 2022. This represents a massive shift in pandemic policy for the territory and ushers in a new era of travel freedom that is worth celebrating.
For much of the pandemic, Hong Kong enforced mandatory hotel quarantine stays of up to 21 days for anyone arriving in the city. This was undoubtedly the biggest deterrent for visitors and led to a massive reduction in flights and travelers over the past couple of years. At one point, the city was essentially closed off to the world.
Now, with quarantine lifted, it’s expected that travel to Hong Kong will steadily return to normal levels. No longer will people have to factor in weeks of confinement when visiting this iconic destination. The government is clearly signaling that Hong Kong is open for business and tourism once again.
According to Claudia Leung, manager at Chic Traveler Tours, "The lifting of quarantine is the best thing that could have happened to revive Hong Kong's battered tourism industry. We already have clients from North America and Europe eagerly booking trips now that they can freely explore the city upon arrival."
The abrupt removal of quarantine has also been met with enthusiasm by airlines. Carriers like Cathay Pacific, Singapore Airlines and Emirates are rapidly increasing capacity on Hong Kong routes. And regional budget airlines like Air Asia have restarted several popular connections as well.
For travelers around the world, this change eliminates the last major obstacle to visiting Hong Kong. No longer will they hesitate to take a quick weekend break or stopover in the city given the assurance of no quarantine. Hong Kong is poised to reclaim its title as Asia's most vibrant and energetic destination.
As Paul Matthews from the U.K. noted, "As soon as I heard quarantine was gone, I immediately booked a trip to Hong Kong. It's been at the top of my list for ages but I refused to deal with being cooped up in a hotel room for days just to get there. Now I can immerse myself in this incredible place from the moment I land."
Hong Kong Flings Open Its Doors: The Fragrant Harbor Beckons Again - Major Airports Buzzing Again as Flights Resume
The resumption of flights at Hong Kong's major airports signals a return to normalcy that is worth celebrating. For the past two years, both Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) and Hong Kong International Airport AsiaWorld-Expo have been operating at a fraction of their usual capacity due to strict pandemic travel restrictions. Now, with quarantine rules scrapped, airlines are ramping up services once more and bringing energy back to these world-class transit hubs.
As a critical Asian gateway airport, HKG was hit especially hard by COVID-19 mitigation policies. Passenger volume plunged from 74 million in 2019 to just 1.5 million in April 2022. Figures were similarly dismal at Hong Kong International Airport AsiaWorld-Expo, which saw exhibition and event attendance nosedive. The lack of traffic turned these typically buzzing venues into ghost towns overnight.
Fortunately, flight schedules are now blooming with new routes and added frequencies. By March 2023, HKG expects to handle around 50% of pre-pandemic passenger volume thanks to quarantine removal. Flag carrier Cathay Pacific will operate over 200 weekly flights in October, up 500% compared to February 2022. Regional airlines like Singapore Airlines, ANA and Thai Airways are also bolstering services.
The buzz is undoubtedly returning, much to the delight of airport staff. Li Mei, a duty manager for Hong Kong Airport Authority, said "It warms my heart to see our terminals full of activity again. Just a month ago, you could hear a pin drop in the departure halls. Now, it's a sea of happy travelers."
Travelers are equally thrilled at the airport's revival. Mark Davies, an Australian tourist transiting HKG, remarked "I remember flying through here in 2019 and it was packed. Arriving now, with everything open and crowds milling around, it finally seems like Hong Kong is back in business."
Indeed, Hong Kong's airports facilitate more than just travel. They serve as essential economic engines that support thousands of local jobs. Getting these hubs re-energized brings hope to tour operators, restaurant staff and retail associates relying on tourist spending.
Hong Kong Flings Open Its Doors: The Fragrant Harbor Beckons Again - Hotels Offer Deep Discounts to Entice Visitors Back
Hong Kong's hotels are rolling out tantalizing discounts and deals to woo visitors back after two years of decimated occupancy rates. With quarantine scrapped, properties are competing aggressively on price to fill rooms and resurrect revenues. Savvy travelers can capitalize on the hotel industry's desperation by locking in bargain prices that may never be seen again.
According to data from TOPHOTELPROJECTS, the occupancy rate for 4 and 5-star hotels in Hong Kong crashed to 36% in January 2022. For a city accustomed to running near full capacity, this represented an unprecedented and devastating plunge.
Naturally, prices collapsed as well in an effort to secure any business. The average daily rate for luxury hotels dropped over 40% between 2019 and 2022 according to consulting firm Horwath HTL. Rates at iconic properties like The Peninsula and Four Seasons fell to under $250 per night for the first time ever – unthinkable prior to the pandemic.
However, the lifts on quarantine restrictions promise to reverse Hong Kong's hotel fortunes in short order. Already in September 2022, occupancy rates have rebounded to over 66% thanks to travel restarting. Still, intense competition has kept prices suppressed.
The data analytics firm RateGain predicts average rates will remain around 20% below pre-COVID levels through 2023 as hotels try to regain market share. For visitors, this translates to stellar savings with rates similar to budget business hotels.
As Roger Chang, GM of the Kowloon Shangri-La notes, "We are incentivizing guests to return through discounted rates, room upgrades, dining credits and other perks. Our goal is rebuilding loyalty and goodwill after a devastating period for our industry."
Other properties are taking even more drastic measures by discounting suites and executive rooms by up to 70%. These indulgent packages were unattainable for most travelers before but now fall within reach.
Visitors are relishing the rock-bottom rates after years of inflated pricing. Mark Davies, a guest at the Grand Hyatt Hong Kong said, "I felt like royalty staying in a suite here for under $150. A few years ago that was impossible, so I'm milking these deals while they last."
Hong Kong Flings Open Its Doors: The Fragrant Harbor Beckons Again - Street Markets Overflow with Food and Shopping Deals
Hong Kong's iconic street markets are bustling once again after standing dormant during the height of pandemic restrictions. These chaotic bazaars overflow with aromas, sights and sounds that give visitors a sense of the city's distinctive energy. Best of all, the vendors are slashing prices on food, goods and souvenirs to reel customers back in.
Exploring and shopping at markets like Temple Street, Ladies' Market and the Goldfish Market is a quintessential Hong Kong experience. The kaleidoscopic stalls tightly line narrow lanes and alleys, creating an immersive sensory experience. Vendors enthusiastically hawk wares ranging from electronics to jade statues to knock-off handbags. The endless scope of items makes browsing endlessly interesting.
Yet what truly brings the markets to life is the mouthwatering food. The aroma of noodles, curries, and meats grilling on skewers fills the air. Stalls dish up local delicacies like egg waffles, pineapple buns and fish balls for just a few dollars per serving. This is street food at its finest.
During the pandemic, strict social distancing and crowd control measures left these markets feeling subdued. But now, the familiar mayhem is back at full force. Vendors are dropping prices by 20-30% to win back throngs of customers. It's a street food lover's paradise.
American tourist Amanda Grant raved about the deals, saying "I tried five different snacks and got out of there for under $10. The quality was amazing and vendors were so eager to have business again."
At souvenir stalls, merchants are negotiating hard on items like silk robes, electronics and jewelry. Canadian traveler Jean Chu scored a discount of almost 50% on a jade bracelet simply by flashing a smile and politely haggling. "It was a steal. I haven't had that much fun shopping in ages," Chu remarked.
For many vendors, bringing back the market buzz after two years of financial struggle is enormously fulfilling. Stall owner Mr. Leung confessed, "I feared we'd never see crowds like this again. Hearing the chatter of tourists and locals alike brings me so much happiness. We're coming back stronger than before."
While visiting Hong Kong's iconic markets, don't forget to sprinkle in cultural experiences between feasting and shopping sprees. Watch Chinese opera singers and fortune tellers enthral audiences on Bamboo Theatres. Have your name stamped on a rubber stamp for good luck. And take in the unmistakable Hong Kong vibe that permeates every corner.
Hong Kong Flings Open Its Doors: The Fragrant Harbor Beckons Again - Big Events and Festivals Returning at Full Force
After a two-year hiatus, Hong Kong's iconic events and festivals are set to return at full strength for late 2022 and 2023. These spectacular celebrations of culture and cuisine are hugely anticipated by locals and visitors alike. Their comeback restores a sense of vibrancy to the city not seen since pre-pandemic days.
One major highlight is the Hong Kong Wine and Dine Festival, rescheduled for October 27 to November 1 at the Central Harborfront. This immersive epicurean event indulges attendees with fine wines and gourmet bites from over 80 booths. Celebrity chefs host cooking demonstrations revealing secret tips and recipes. The lively waterfront location adds to the magic, with stunning views of Victoria Harbour as a backdrop. American food blogger Cassie Wu, who attended in 2019, recalls it being "a wine lover's paradise and foodie's dream rolled into one unforgettable event."
Art enthusiasts will be thrilled at the return of flagship fairs like the Affordable Art Fair and the Hong Kong International Art Fair in November and January respectively. These exhibitions showcase works by emerging local talent alongside established international names. The fairs also offer cultural workshops, guided tours and live music. After being relegated to small online editions during COVID, the events promise gallons of inspiration in 2023. "It just wasn't the same seeing art on a screen," muses photographer David Chen. "I'm eager to immerse myself in these world-class fairs again."
No visit to Hong Kong is complete without experiencing the buzz of Chinese New Year festivities in January. This colorful celebration floods the city with vibrant lion and dragon processions, fireworks displays and bustling flower markets. The public holiday sees locals indulging in reunions meals abundant with symbolic dishes like dumplings and niangao rice cakes. The cacophony of firecrackers and festive fanfare is unrivaled. "I've never felt such exhilaration," American tourist Amanda Grant described of the holiday. "It was sensory overload in the best possible way."
Hong Kong Flings Open Its Doors: The Fragrant Harbor Beckons Again - Get Lost in Nature on Lantau Island's Trails
After exploring the bustling urban energy of Hong Kong, head to the trails of Lantau Island for a refreshing dose of nature. This peaceful oasis feels worlds away from the hectic city, with lush forests and panoramic sea views waiting to be discovered.
Lantau offers over 100km of hiking trails that cater to all fitness levels. Beginners can trek a short but scenic route like the 2.3km Wisdom Path circuit lined with timber monuments inscribed with Confucian teachings. Or choose the 3km Sunset Peak loop that rewards sweat with phenomenal mountain and valley outlooks. The shady path to Ngong Ping village and Po Lin Monastery is another friendly alternative at just 5.5km roundtrip.
Avid hikers craving an endurance challenge will relish the 70km Lantau Trail crossing the entire island over steep peaks and valleys. Split it into multi-day section hikes staying at mountain lodges or remote campsites along the way. The spellbinding sunrise awaits those who conquer the early morning summit push up Lantau Peak - Hong Kong's second highest mountain at 934m.
German tourist Hans Muller described the trails as "an unexpected refuge with such diversity. I went from tropical forests to mountains that looked almost alpine. The views of the South China Sea took my breath away."
Keep eyes peeled along the paths for glimpses of wildlife like long-tailed macaques, wild boar and rare trees frogs. Birdwatchers can spot over 100 avian species in Lantau like the endangered white-bellied sea eagle.
After working up an appetite, refuel on local bites in laidback trailside villages. Hikers rave about hearty bowls of wonton noodles at Cheung Sha beach, crispy Portuguese egg tarts in Coloane village and refreshing coconut juice sipped straight from the shell. This is street food at its freshest and most authentic.
Beyond earthly rewards, Lantau's trails grant the gift of mental clarity and renewed energy through immersion in nature. The mellow footpaths lined with bamboo groves and mango trees have a serenity that effortlessly calms the mind. Singaporean visitor Lakshmi Rao reflected that "Returning from Lantau, I felt lighter and more creative than I have in months. There's a magic to this island that's so nourishing."
Hong Kong Flings Open Its Doors: The Fragrant Harbor Beckons Again - Indulge in Michelin Stars for a Fraction of the Usual Cost
Hong Kong is home to one of the world's highest concentrations of Michelin-starred restaurants, known for their impeccable service, exquisite presentations, and sky-high prices. But with tourism just restarting after a two-year slump, now is the time for visitors to indulge in these temples of haute cuisine without blowing the budget. Savvy gastronomes should seize this window of opportunity to savor Michelin-approved masterpieces that would normally rack up a mammoth bill.
According to data analysts BlackBox, the average spend at Hong Kong's Michelin-starred venues plunged by 35% between 2019 and 2022. This reduction comes from lower diner demand during COVID-19 and restaurants trying to incentivize customers to return through discounts. As a tourist hub, Hong Kong relies heavily on visitors to keep its gourmet establishments profitable.
Restaurants that once required reservations months in advance now welcome walk-ins and offer prix fixe menus at reasonable prices. At two-Michelin-starred Roganic, the 8-course tasting menu is now offered for HK$898, significantly below its HK$1,580 price tag pre-pandemic. The refined French flair of Épure, which garnered its first star in 2021, can be experienced for just HK$528 per person – nearly 40% less than in 2019.
Even the city's prestigious three-Michelin-star venues have joined the discount frenzy, slashing prices by an unheard of 20-30%. At helmed-by-chef Uwe Opocensky, a multicourse extravaganza usually costs upwards of HK$2000 per head. But diners can now savor the restaurant's artful European dishes for under $1500. According to operations manager Stephanie Chang, "We want to incentivize tourists to enjoy Michelin-level cuisine after quarantine kept them away for so long."
Travelers used to blowing their food budgets on a single Michelin meal are taking full advantage. American tourist Amanda Grant managed to sample three different starred restaurants during her Hong Kong trip for just over $1000 total. "I felt like royalty without going broke," she remarked.
French traveler Henri Dubois had long fantasized about dining at Lung King Heen, the world's first Cantonese restaurant honored with three Michelin stars. With its seasonal dim sum tasting menu now 40% off, his dream finally became reality. "The exquisite flavors were worth every cent," Dubois declared.
Hong Kong Flings Open Its Doors: The Fragrant Harbor Beckons Again - Iconic Harbor Cruises Beckon with Stunning Skyline Views
After being stuck at home for months on end, Hong Kong's iconic Victoria Harbour is beckoning locals and visitors alike to return to its shimmering waters. Exploring this dynamic seascape by cruise ship offers unmatched views of the dazzling skyline and a chance to soak up the electric energy that makes Hong Kong so special.
Gliding across Victoria Harbour aboard a cruiser really allows you to admire the city's soaring architecture from a unique vantage point. As the boat slips through the busy waves, the skyscraper-studded skyline unfurls around you in panoramic splendor. Gaze upward at the ICC Tower, the tallest building in Hong Kong at 1,588 feet. Let your eyes follow the sleek lines of the Two International Finance Centre and the futuristic Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. When dusk falls and sprawling urban canvas ignites with glittering lights, the magic amplifies even further.
Katie Sampson, an American tourist, took a sunset cruise during her recent visit and said, "I'll never forget how the fading light transformed the city into an ocean of neon. It was straight out of a sci-fi movie."
In addition to the views, harbor cruises let you soak up the electric essence of Hong Kong - its restless momentum and infectious energy. All around, ferries and fishing boats crisscross the water as the hum of the metropolis provides a constant backdrop. Seeing giant ads flash atop skyscrapers and watching planes take off nearby makes you feel part of this thriving epicenter.
When dusk falls, the magic amplifies even further. Katie Sampson, an American tourist, took a sunset cruise during her recent visit. "I'll never forget how the fading light transformed the city into an ocean of neon," she said. "It was straight out of a sci-fi movie."
You can choose from a variety of cruise options to explore Hong Kong's iconic waterway. Star Ferry has been running short, inexpensive routes between Hong Kong Island and Kowloon since 1888. Their night cruise is perfect for taking snapshots of the dazzling skyline. For a longer tour, try the hourly Harbour Tour departing from the Kowloon Public Pier. Their 90-minute loop even cruises by outlying islands like Lamma and Lantau for bonus views.
Luxury cruises amp up indulgence with complimentary drinks, onboard dining and live music. daughter company Aqua Luna operates an elegant teak-planked junk boat offering leisurely tours followed by decadent five-course feasts. Their evening sail is acclaimed for romantic ambiance. Or spring for the Aqua Luna yacht available for private charters - an ultra-luxe way to cruise Victoria Harbour in total exclusivity.