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(www.ttgtravelhub.net 2004-07-26)

Many Hong Kong travel professionals are scratching their heads over the apparent lack of interest among Chinese to take advantage of the newly-extended individual travel scheme, where they no longer have to travel with tour groups.

When first introduced, the relaxed regulations spurred a tidal wave of visitors over the border from nearby cities. But when it was extended this month to nine mainland cities with a total population of 43 million people, a mere 8,000 applied in the first week of July. In contrast, 108,802 permits were issued in the first month when the scheme was introduced to four Guangdong cities a year ago. In its first year, 5.4 million people applied for permits.

When the new freedom was extended to provinces such as Fujian, Jiangsu and Zhejiang, from where many Hongkongers trace their roots, it was hoped that not only would wealthy tourists flow into town, but they would also boost real estate prices. Neither happened.

Travel Industry Council executive director, Mr Joseph Tung, said the slow reaction was because the new target provinces were further away.