Tobacco control measures won’t affect tourism sector: gov’t

This is in response to an "inaccurate" report which quoted remarks on alternative smoking products.

The Health Bureau said the 10 short-term tobacco control measures will not affect tourists' willingness to visit Hong Kong.

This is in response to an "inaccurate" report which quoted remarks on alternative smoking products (ASPs) and waterpipe tobacco, claiming that controlling said products would negatively impact tourism.

The bureau stated that three years after the ban, Hong Kong's tourism sector has not suffered. In 2024 alone, passenger arrivals recovered to pre-pandemic levels, with land border crossings exceeding them.

Additionally, Thailand and Singapore have also banned ASPs without any noticeable impact on their tourism numbers.

The report also omits that tourists cannot bring ASPs into Hong Kong or purchase them upon arrival, misleading both the public and tourists.

At present, the restrictions on the promotion and sale of smoking products stipulated in the ordinance apply. Offenders are liable on summary conviction to a maximum fine of $50,000.