Talks underway with mainland to attract more visitors
Chief Executive John Lee said on Tuesday that the government was working with mainland authorities on measures to allow more visitors to the SAR, including a multiple-entry visa scheme and extending the operating hours of cross-border checkpoints.  Speaking to reporters before the weekly Executive Council meeting, he said both sides had been proactive in discussions and officials hoped to announce details soon.  He said the government attached great importance to integration of the two sides. "I'm receiving positive feedback from the departments we have been talking with. But of course, some details need to be ironed out, and I hope to be able to get some decisions made as soon as possible, so that we can tell everybody," he said.  The permit scheme, introduced in 2009, had allowed Shenzhen residents to make multiple trips to Hong Kong within a year on a single visa. It was replaced by a once-a-week visit permit in 2015 as the city became overwhelmed by tourists.  There have been calls for the scheme to be reinstated to boost local tourism.