Passengers prepare to enter Shenzhen via Lok Ma Chau Spur Line Checkpoint on the first day of the resumption of normal travel between Hong Kong and Mainland China on January 8, 2023 in Hong Kong.
Ly Chi Hoa | China News Service | beautiful pictures
The departure of mainland China from its Covid-free policy has led to a sharp increase in infections, and the resumption of travel means some people are looking for vaccines in more distant places.
In mid-December, China full Covid vaccination rate stands close to 87%, with 54% being increased. The main Covid vaccine authorized for use in China are from Sinovac and Sinopharm.
mainlander flocked to Macao In recent months for Western mRNA vaccines, widely used around the world but not endorsed by China.
But even if the patient tried to book an appointment as early as mid-December, Next available position at the Macau University of Science and Technology Hospital, the only site providing injection services to tourists, in late February.
Analysts expect that the list of destinations for vaccine tourism will grow.
‘First natural destination’: Hong Kong
“I believe the first natural destination for Chinese vaccine tourism is Hong Kong. Then it will spread to Asia and the US, possibly expanding to Europe,” said Sam Radwan, the company’s president. Management consultant Enhance International, told CNBC.
“It’s been a long time since I’ve been to Hong Kong. I can go on vacation, as well as get vaccinated. Didn’t one arrow hit two birds? Needless to say, I’ve already booked an appointment and am getting ready, “a man from Shaanxi province posted friday on the Chinese social network Weibo.
Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee said at a press conference in late December that the city “has reached a relatively high vaccination rate”, adding that it has “enough medicine to fight Covid”. .
But Hong Kong will not offer a free Covid vaccine to short-term tourists.
“We want to prevent visitors to Hong Kong from receiving vaccines at the expense of Hong Kongers, and we will not provide free government-purchased vaccines to non-Hong Kong residents,” he said. Hong Kong government officials said, adding that visitors must stay for a minimum of 30 days to receive a booster shot.
Our recent research shows that Hong Kong and Thailand could benefit the most from international travel if China lifts visa restrictions and outbound travel gradually normalizes.
Lam Wingho, a member of Hong Kong’s Scientific Committee on Vaccine-Preventable Diseases, said it would see a wave of mainlanders coming to Hong Kong to get vaccinated. local media reports.
Lin said he has received a lot of inquiries from citizens wanting to know how relatives from mainland China can get vaccinated in Hong Kong, he is said to have said.
Thailand is another possible destination for vaccine tourists and the country ranks among The most attractive destinations that the Chinese want to travel to, including Japan, Korea, the US and Singapore.
Thailand’s Minister of Tourism and Sports at the end of December said he was considering the proposal Free vaccinations for foreign tourists person requesting a booster shot.
And there is interest from the Chinese.
“I wasn’t planning to go to Thailand at first, but for the sake of Pfizer or Moderna vaccines, I’m thinking of going,” one weibo users based in Shanghai said upon the announcement.
Another Weibo Users residing in Beijing wrote that such a policy move would not only “help attract tourists to Thailand” but also provide more types of vaccinations. “For mainland Chinese who are hoping for more vaccine options, they will be able to get vaccinated with the vaccine they want. It’s a win-win.”
Sam Radwan, president of management consulting firm Enhance International, said: “Going outside of China is definitely a big cure in many people’s minds… I believe that Chinese people will travel anywhere. where they can buy medicine”.
CFOTO | Future Publishing | beautiful pictures
“Regarding the spillover effects of China’s reopening, Our recent research shows that Hong Kong and Thailand could benefit the most from international travel if China lifts visa restrictions and outbound travel gradually normalizes,” Goldman Sachs wrote in a report. study on 12/27.
Enhance International’s Radwan said: “Going outside of China is definitely a great remedy in the minds of a lot of people… I believe that Chinese people will travel to wherever they can get medicine. “.
