Hong Kong’s Peak Tram reopens after 14 months

Hong Kong’s Peak Tram, among the city’s most popular tourist attractions, has reopened with a brand new look after a year-long closure.

The particular funicular, the earliest in Asia, goes back to 1888 plus previously drew more than six million guests annually before Covid-19 struck.

The assistance welcomed back people on Saturday – even as tight coronavirus rules remain in place in the city.

It has gone through a $799m HKD (£87m) facelift since closing in 06 2021.

Tourist quantities in Hong Kong are a fraction of their pre-Covid levels – in past times year, 134, 1000 people visited the town compared to 65 million in 2018.

The tram’s makeover features a redesigned terminus within the city’s central company district and more large tramcars.

But decreases on overseas guests due to Covid-19 stay in place, meaning Hk is unlikely to see a return to previous travel and leisure numbers any time soon.

Earlier this 30 days, hotel quarantine needs for people arriving from abroad were decreased from seven days to 3.

But they must still undergo one more four days of “medical surveillance” either in your own home or at any resort, and are restricted within where they can traveling.

Cases in the city are on the increase, with more than 7, eight hundred infections are seven deaths reported on Friday.

Hong Kong’s Health Secretary Lo Chung-mau warned that will daily cases can soon exceed 10, 000 and introduced a negative test requirement for people dining in groups of eight or even more.

The pandemic also impacted the Peak Tram’s redevelopment, with all the project going over spending budget due to difficulties within transporting custom tramcars from Switzerland.

The price of a positive return adult ticket has become nearly 70% greater than before the tram’s makeover and costs HK$88 (£9. 50).

“I hope all visitors will feel it’s worth the price, ” stated May Tsang, common manager of tram operator the Peak Complex.

“We have to consider the increase in the operating costs and the long-term sustainability of our business. ”

Around 100 people queued for several hours before the reopening on Sunday to see the panoramic views of the city from Victoria Peak.

Chau, who brought his two sons together for a family getaway, said he was generally satisfied with the revamp.

“It’s a little pricey, but the next everything nowadays, inch he told the AFP news company.