Hong Kong sees a 17 per cent surge in the mainland Chinese tourist arrivals: What you need to know?

Hong Kong experienced a significant 17% rise in mainland Chinese tourist arrivals on Saturday, following the reinstatement of a multiple-entry visa scheme for Shenzhen residents.

The new policy, introduced on December 1, has bolstered tourism as visitors flocked to the city for shopping, sightseeing, and festive celebrations.

According to the Immigration Department, Hong Kong welcomed 161,075 mainland visitors on Saturday, marking a notable increase from the 138,180 recorded on November 30, prior to the visa change.

Over 60% of these arrivals used land crossings, reflecting the convenience of the new arrangement.

The visa scheme allows Shenzhen residents unlimited visits to Hong Kong within a year, replacing the previous one-trip-per-week restriction.

This initiative, shelved in 2015 due to local concerns over cross-border trade, has been revived to support Hong Kong's economic recovery.

Tourism Boom Amid Festive Cheer

The surge in visitors has energized local businesses, especially in popular areas like Tsim Sha Tsui and Central.

Thousands of mainland tourists explored Victoria Harbour, snapped photos with Christmas decorations, and enjoyed boat tours.

Wong Mei-tung, a boat tour operator, reported unprecedented demand for her 40-minute trips.

Visitors like Locky Huang from Shenzhen and Helen Zhang from Jiangxi praised the simplified visa process, which eliminates paperwork and encourages spontaneous trips.

While some travelers preferred day trips to save on hotel costs, others expressed interest in returning for longer stays.

City Leader Promotes Tourism

Calls for Tourism Innovation

Timothy Chui Ting-pong, executive director of the Hong Kong Tourism Association, emphasized the need for innovation to sustain the current momentum. While the visa scheme has attracted visitors, Chui suggested promoting unique travel experiences and offering package deals to encourage overnight stays.

The Hong Kong Tourism Board has also reported a 37% increase in visitor arrivals during the first 10 months of the year, totaling 36.7 million.

However, the city must attract 10 million more visitors in November and December to meet government targets.

With the reinstated visa policy and festive celebrations drawing crowds, Hong Kong is set for a busy holiday season. However, sustained efforts to diversify tourism offerings and enhance visitor experiences will be crucial for long-term growth.