11 SKIES contract ends early as Airport Authority takes over

New World Development is ending its 11 SKIES contract early.

It will hand the project back to the Airport Authority next year.

Secretary for Transport and Logistics Mable Chan hopes the Airport Authority follows up quickly with projects to attract more tourists.

11 SKIES is one of the core facilities of the Airport City.

New World is handing it back early next April.

The project includes three office towers and an entertainment hub.

After taking over, the Airport Authority aims to begin operations gradually from 2028.

Secretary for Transport and Logistics Mable Chan says on a radio programme, she expects the Airport Authority to set up a dedicated subsidiary to upgrade the property.

She hopes the authority turns it into a core landmark for high-end tourism activities.

Meanwhile, this is the first National Day Golden Week since the Southbound Travel for Guangdong Vehicles scheme began.

Chan says there are about 300 daily travel bookings right now, which exceeds the 200 quota.

Entry is arranged by ballot, so government discusses increasing the quota with mainland authorities based on the situation.

The goal is to expand the scheme to 21 cities in Guangdong by next year.

Through digital map platforms, tourists have information on parking, charging and attractions in Hong Kong, allowing them to enjoy the city in an orderly manner.

As for the southbound yacht scheme starting this month, Chan says the Marine Department has signed work arrangements with the Guangdong Maritime Safety Administration.

About 300 mainland yacht operators now have navigation qualifications for Hong Kong waters.