Anticipated moderate increase in mainland tourists visiting Hong Kong during the 'Golden Week' holiday period.
Revised Article
Hong Kong is primed for a fair boost in mainland Chinese tourist influx during the five-day Labour Day "golden week" holiday. According to industry leader Timothy Chui Ting-pong, this upward trend can be largely attributed to the multi-entry visa scheme designed for Shenzhen residents.
On the radio waves, Chui shared his thoughts, predicting a double-digit increase for the number of mainland tourists, with the powerhouse of traveling Shenzhen residents being the main force fueling this growth. He tempered his prediction, yet it still implies a substantial influx of visitors—around 60,000 to 80,000 more tourists compared to last year.
Chui isn't alone in his optimism about the tourism sector. The multi-entry visa scheme's significant impact on tourism is well-established. Despite his conservative predictions, even the slightest percentage rise means a substantial influx of tourists.
The multi-entry visa scheme's convenience for frequent border crossings makes Hong Kong an attractive vacation spot, particularly for short trips. This scheme serves as the primary catalyst for growth, with its large user base contributing substantially to incremental gains yearly.
Beyond the multi-entry visa scheme, several other factors contribute to Hong Kong's appeal for mainland tourists. The extension of the Individual Visit Scheme (IVS) to more mainland cities ensures accessibility, particularly for long-haul travelers, as indicated by Alan Chan Chung-yee of Miramar Group.
The tourism board has also rolled out an impressive slate of attractions, including drone shows, LEGO floral installations, and cultural exhibitions. Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po stresses that these efforts are crucial for sustaining visitors' interest amid stiff global competition.
Although cost-effectiveness remains key for many mainland tourists, luxury preferences are on the rise. Chinese travelers now prefer four-star hotels or higher, with 67% of travelers opting for such accommodations. Hong Kong caters well to both budget-conscious and affluent visitors.
In summary, the multi-entry visa scheme for Shenzhen residents serves as the driving force behind Hong Kong's projected increase in mainland Chinese tourists. The secondary factors contributing to tourism growth include the expansion of the Individual Visit Scheme, tourism promotions and events, and changing travel preferences among mainland tourists.
Shenzhen residents, being the main force, are expected to contribute significantly to an increase in visitors traveling to Hong Kong during the Labour Day holiday, as a result of themulti-entry visa scheme designed for them, with predictions suggesting a double-digit increase. Hong Kong's tourist appeal is also enhanced by the extension of the Individual Visit Scheme to more mainland cities, making it more accessible for long-haul travelers. Moreover, the growing preference among mainland tourists for luxury accommodations, such as four-star hotels or higher, is catered to well by Hong Kong's offerings.
