More on HK Tourism Debate

Hong Kong should welcome more tourists, but not mainlanders

He has also suggested capping the number of visits by Shenzhen residents - who currently make up the bulk of parallel traders from across the border - to 40 a year.

But in our politically charged city, you are either for Hong Kong or you are a "locust" lover, the derogatory Cantonese name for mainlanders.

However defensible Tien's proposal, it's a tough sell.

He and other mainstream loyalists should continue to voice support for mainland visitors, but not expand the scheme.

Instead, we need to do far more to entice quality tourists from elsewhere in Asia and Europe. It's time to diversify.