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The tourism sector and related industries are on alert and have put in place extensive precautionary measures against infectious diseases, including SARS.
A spokesman for the Tourism Commission said today (January 5) that there had been regular contact with the tourism sector and related industries to keep them up to date with the latest precautionary measures against infectious diseases, including SARS.
The Tourism Commission convened a meeting with the Health, Welfare and Food Bureau, the Department of Health, and the tourism sector and related industries on December 31, 2003 to update the industry on the measures taken by Government to protect Hong Kong against infectious diseases, most notably the stringent border control measures. The meeting also discussed steps taken by hotels, airlines and the travel trade to support these efforts and to comply with the relevant health guidelines for the sector and the SARS checklist.
Delegates were briefed on the disease surveillance system in Hong Kong, the measures put in place to ensure there was an effective response to any medical issues and the alert systems to ensure the public received timely information on infectious diseases.
"The Government has put in place a comprehensive system to prevent the outbreak of infectious disease. In line with this, the tourism and related industries have taken extensive measures to protect their staff and guests and are on the alert," the spokesman said.
Representatives from the tourism sector and related industries invited to the meeting included the Travel Industry Council of Hong Kong, the Federation of Hong Kong Hotel Owners, the Hong Kong Hotels Association, the Hong Kong Association of Registered Tour Coordinators, the Hong Kong Federation of Restaurants and Related Trades, Cathay Pacific Airways, Dragonair, and the Hong Kong Tourism Board.
Ends/Monday, January 5, 2004
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