Chief Executive CY Leung said today that the Government will discuss with Mainland authorities measures to tighten arrangements under the Individual Visit Scheme for Mainland tourists.
Speaking ahead of an Executive Council meeting this morning, Mr Leung said he understood that Mainland tourism growth had placed pressure on people's livelihoods, so he would bring up the issue during a visit to the Mainland in March.
Mr Leung stressed that contrary to newspaper reports, the scheme was not being extended to more Mainland cities, and that he had been advising the Central Government not to expand the scheme, as Hong Kong's capacity to receive tourists is limited.
He added that the Government will develop tourism facilities including shopping malls, to increase its capacity for visitors.
Commenting on the Lunar New Year tourist numbers, Mr Leung said the overall number of Mainland visitors was similar to last year, but fewer came here under the Individual Visit Scheme. He said the Government will look into the cause of the drop.
