The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) and the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) 11 Nov announced a collaboration to welcome the launch of the Hong Kong-Singapore Air Travel Bubble (ATB), ahead of the departure of the first flights on 22 November 2020. The Hong Kong-Singapore Air Travel Bubble – 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 Mr 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 Mr 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 travellers 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 travellers to Singapore.”
The health and safety of locals and travellers remains a key priority. To provide visitors with peace of mind, both destinations have already put in place city-wide certification programmes 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. Meanwhile, 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 sanitisation. 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. Travellers on the first ATB flights out of both cities on 22 November will also be treated to a special in-flight menu that includes local favourites from Hong Kong and Singapore, curated by Cathay Pacific and Singapore Airlines. This menu will be available on all ATB flights till the end of this year.
