Eddie Lee told an RTHK radio programme that the plan would have a very small impact on the economy.
“For business travellers, to be frank, they are looking for business opportunities and whether they can do business and make money. As for leisure travellers, they look at the overall experience in Hong Kong,” he said.
“For example, recently we have had a well-known local singer holding concerts, and many visitors came for this. But they were only considering the overall experience, rather than whether they can smoke in Hong Kong or what the SAR’s anti-smoking measures are.”
Lee added that the government will meet with representatives from the tourism sector this week on the measures, assuring them visitors will not be affected.
Lawmaker Peter Shiu, from the wholesale and retail sector, said he supports the government’s plan to better safeguard public health.
But Shiu said officials should also consider if visitors who smoke would be concerned about the measures.
Medical sector lawmaker David Lam, for his part, called on the government to consider prohibiting the possession of vaping devices.
He also pointed out that vaping devices can be connected with an app on the mobile phone, which notifies people that the devices have not been used for some time and recommends new flavours, making it harder for them to quit smoking.
