Free ferry rides scheme aims to bring more visitors to outlying islands

     The "Free Ferry Rides to Three Outlying Islands" Scheme which encourages organisations to organise activities to Peng Chau, Lantau Island and Lamma Island will open for applications from tomorrow (August 19) onwards.

     This scheme aims to maintain the development of tourism and economic activities in these islands. Organisations, such as schools, uniformed groups, non-governmental organisations, community and local groups, are welcome to apply for free ferry rides to and from the three outlying islands for group activities.

     "All the ferry trips are required to start from Central Piers. Once the applications are accepted, the organisations will be entitled to free ferry rides to and from Peng Chau, Lantau Island (Mui Wo) or Lamma Island (Yung Shue Wan and Sok Kwu Wan)," a spokesman for the Transport Department said today (August 18).

     The spokesman added that applications with relevant supporting documents should be sent to the scheme secretariat at least 15 working days prior to the date of the activity. All applications will be processed on a first-come-first-served basis.

     Details of the scheme and application forms are obtainable at various District Offices of the Home Affairs Department, offices of the Education Bureau, the Social Welfare Department and Licensing Offices of the Transport Department. The information is also available on the Transport Department's website at www.td.gov.hk.

     For enquiries about the scheme, interested parties may call the Government hotline 1823.

Ends/Monday, August 18, 2008
Issued at HKT 18:27