Transport Secretary Mable Chan announced that a cross-border yacht scheme has been launched to boost tourist spending in Hong Kong. According to Chan, the inaugural group of five mainland vessels arrived on Friday and stayed for three to four days, with some visitors making hotel reservations and using their yachts for accommodation while still going on shore to shop and visit attractions. Chan also detailed the process for yacht owners, which includes registering an account with the Marine Department. She mentioned that 32 such accounts have already been established. Regarding ride-hailing services, Chan indicated that the government is considering giving additional chances to applicants who better meet Hong Kong's specific needs, provided that a cap of 10,000 permits has been set. A lottery will be held if the number of application exceeds this limit. Chan explained that key factors in consideration would include whether the applicants can provide transportation services and their commitment level, as well as the length of time they have owned the vehicles. Since the introduction of a combined written test for taxis and ride-hailing vehicle drivers in early August, around 16,000 people have registered, with a successful rate of over 60 percent. --- SPLIT--- The scheme, which eases cross-border yacht visits to Hong Kong, is expected to stimulate a wave of tourist spending. Chan elaborated that the first batch of mainland yachts arrived last Friday and spent between three to four days in the city, some reserving accommodation on land as well. They engaged in both offshore sightseeing and onshore activities such as shopping and visiting theme parks. Additionally, Chan outlined the registration process for yacht owners and masters, noting that 32 accounts had been set up so far. For ride-hailing services, Chan expressed the government's intention to consider providing greater chances to applicants who can more effectively cater to Hong Kong's needs, under the permit cap of 10,000. Chan clarified that factors like the provision of transportation capacity, level of commitment, and ownership duration would be examined. The government has seen a robust response to the new regulatory framework, with over 16,000 people registering for the written test, achieving a pass rate of more than 60 percent. --- SPLIT--- Hong Kong Transport Secretary Mable Chan highlighted the recent launch of a cross-border yacht scheme aimed at enhancing tourist consumption in the city. The first batch of five mainland yachts arrived last Friday and stayed for three to four days, with some making reservations for overnight stays and using yachts for accommodation. Chan noted that visitors used their yachts to engage in both sea sightseeing and onshore activities like shopping and visiting theme parks. Registration for yacht owners as part of the scheme has resulted in 32 accounts being established so far. Regarding ride-hailing services, the government is considering offering higher chances to applicants who best meet Hong Kong's needs, with a lottery if the number of applications exceeds 10,000. Chan stressed that factors such as transportation capacity, commitment level, and vehicle ownership length would be considered. Over 16,000 people have registered for the combined written test for taxis and ride-hailing vehicles, achieving a pass rate of more than 60 percent.