Support for SMEs

To provide funding for eligible travel agents to adopt relevant information technology for upgrading their productivity and service quality, and strengthening their competitiveness in the local or overseas market.

In the fiscal year of 2016/2017, the Government allocated HK$10 million to the TIC for setting up the Information Technology Development Matching Fund Scheme for Travel Agents (formerly known as Pilot Information Technology Development Matching Fund Scheme for Travel Agents) ("Scheme"). At the end of 2017, over 100 small- and medium-sized travel agents have been benefited.

In view of the positive feedback from the trade, the Government allocated additional HK$30 million in the fiscal year of 2018/2019 to the Scheme in order for small- and medium-sized travel agents to be subsidised, on a one-for-one matching basis, to adopt information technology for upgrading their productivity and service quality, as well as strengthening their competitiveness in the local or overseas market.

The Government agreed in 2023 to top up the Fund with additional $30 million for the Scheme to help more travel agents make the best use of IT to enhance, innovate and develop their business. The new round of the Scheme will be enhanced to cover all travel agents with a view to benefitting more travel agents.

Licensed travel agents

The Scheme has commenced to accept applications from all licensed travel agents from 8 April 2024 onwards. Eligible travel agent must read carefully the Guide to Application and submit the application online.