Hong Kong reassures visitors amid protests, travel warnings

Hong Kong is seeking to reassure visitors to the city after several countries issued travel safety warnings related to ongoing prod-democracy protests.

An email attributed to an unidentified government spokesman conceded recent road blockages and confrontations between police and protesters had caused inconveniences, but said they were confined to limited areas.

It said the government and the travel industry were working to minimize disruptions to visitors.

The government on Thursday said tourist arrivals dropped 26% at the end of last month compared to last year and were continuing to fall in August. Commerce Secretary Edward Yau Tang-wah said 22 countries and regions, including the US, have issued travel warnings for Hong Kong.

More protests are planned for this weekend including at the city's bustling international airport.