Secretary for Culture, Sports & Tourism Kevin Yeung will depart for Xi'an, Shaanxi on March 12, before moving on to Qingdao, Shandong the next day.

The Individual Visit Scheme covers both Xi'an and Qingdao from today, bringing the number of Mainland cities included under the scheme to 51.

The scheme allows eligible residents of designated Mainland cities to apply, in an individual capacity, for an endorsement to visit Hong Kong.

In Xi’an, Mr Yeung will meet provincials officials of Shaanxi, as well as Xi’an city officials, and will attend a briefing session that the Hong Kong Tourism Board has arranged for the local tourism sector.

While he is in Qingdao, he will meet provincial officials of Shandong, as well as Qingdao city officials, and attend another briefing session for the trade.

Mr Yeung will return to Hong Kong on the evening of March 14. During his absence, Under Secretary for Culture, Sports & Tourism Raistlin Lau will be the Acting Secretary.