Hong Kong International Airport ready for Olympic visitors
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Hong Kong Permanent Secretary for Home Affairs Carrie Yau chatted with airport ambassadors at the airport hospitality desk during her recent visit to Hong Kong International Airport. |
Permanent Secretary for Home Affairs Carrie Yau visited Hong Kong International Airport in Chek Lap Kok on July 9 to inspect the facility’s hospitality and security arrangements for the upcoming Olympic Equestrian Events in Hong Kong.
Mrs. Yau, accompanied by Home Affairs Bureau and Equestrian Company officials, visited the Integrated Airport Centre and Airport Emergency Centre, where she was briefed by a Hong Kong Airport Authority representative on the centers’ operation.
The group then toured the Apron Passenger Vehicle Lounge and was briefed by Immigration Department officials on their arrangements.
“With the close rapport developed between the airport community and the Equestrian Company, reinforced by a series of drills over the past few months, [the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government] could ensure the Olympic athletes and their horses, [International Olympic Committee] members, overseas spectators and visitors can arrive safely and comfortably,” said Mrs. Yau.
She said the airport is fully prepared to receive thousands of Olympic and Paralympic athletes and officials this summer, with hospitality desks set up and contingency plans mapped out and tested.
Equestrian Company representatives briefed Mrs. Yau on the services and facilities, including quarantine and immigration and customs clearance procedures for horses. She also inspected the horse-loading areas and learned of the operations for receiving horses, which begins July 26.
“Whilst we are impressed by the detailed planning on the hospitality arrangements of the highest possible standard, and the sensitive handling arrangements for the horses, there is no room for complacency,” she noted.
“Interagency exercises and drills will continue to be held to ensure swift action will be taken under different scenarios and trying circumstances.”
Mrs. Yau also met the hospitality-desk assistants, among the first Hong Kong ambassadors to greet arriving guests at the airport. The Olympic Fun Area in Passenger Terminal 2 is another hospitality facility boosting the festive Olympic atmosphere for arriving passengers.
“With less than one month to go before the Olympic equestrian events, we will conduct regular inspections on different aspects of our preparatory work, including transport, security, crowd control, quarantine and volunteer training, to ensure that each and every aspect is geared up and ready for the games,” Mrs. Yau said.
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