Sha Tau Kok Pier, within the Frontier Closed Area, opened for group tours today to tie in with the direction of the Northern Metropolis Development Strategy and to facilitate tourism development and promote the local culture of Sha Tau Kok and the North East New Territories.

The strategy puts forward the progressive opening of Sha Tau Kok Pier for tourism activities.

In connection with this policy direction, the Security Bureau, together with relevant departments, formulated a six-month trial scheme in which Sha Tau Kok Pier will be open to registered local tour groups for travelling to neighbouring scenic spots such as Lai Chi Wo and Kat O by water vessels on each holiday during the period.

The Government has also added various facilities around the pier to introduce the features of Sha Tau Kok.

Chief Executive Carrie Lam officiated at the opening ceremony of Sha Tau Kok Pier this morning, viewed the displays introducing the development of Sha Tau Kok and visited stalls selling souvenirs and snacks with Sha Tau Kok features. Mrs Lam was also briefed by Secretary for Security Tang Ping-keung on the implementation of the trial scheme and the new facilities.

Addressing the opening ceremony, Mrs Lam said she expected the project to create a multiple-win situation that would enable the development of Sha Tau Kok-centric tourism with the passing on of culture and nature conservation at its core, injecting impetus into the Sha Tau Kok community.

The project is also expected to provide the public with the opportunity to experience personally the real facets of Sha Tau Kok, travel to neighbouring scenic spots for sightseeing more conveniently from the pier, and appreciate the cultural features and natural landscape of the North East New Territories more comprehensively.

The Chief Executive added that since the announcement of the strategy last year, a significant step has already been taken in Sha Tau Kok town in less than a year. Mrs Lam expressed hope that the coming term of Government would continue to strive for the well-being of the people and explore more opportunities for the future of Hong Kong.

Under the trial scheme, there are two sessions on each holiday to accommodate three local tours in each session.

Upon completion of the trial scheme, the Government will carefully review its outcome, evaluate the traffic and security impact and consider the views of residents in order to examine the way forward in further opening up Sha Tau Kok town.

Click here to join sightseeing tours departing from Sha Tau Kok Pier to neighbouring scenic spots.