Will half a million free tickets save Hong Kong from tunnel vision?

The old-style junk boat is one of Hong Kong’s most popular tourist attractions, and can usually be seen on the Victoria Harbour. — AFP

With Hong Kong opening up and quarantines lifted, I wondered what might be in store for visitors to this fine city, my home of almost 40 years. Travellers will be glad to learn that masks of all colours remain popular and are mandatory. This protects arrivals from toxic garlic fumes that can be particularly incapacitating at close quarters on the MTR.

There are other courtesies. In some countries you might get your hands and feet washed before entering a shrine. In Hong Kong, great reverence is accorded to tonsils and nasal passages. These get coddled and swabbed with religious intensity for a few days, starting with arrival at the airport where new washbasins bear the cryptic message: “Do not enter”.