Hong Kong Anticipates 1.2 Million Visitors During National Day Golden Week

Significant Growth in Visitor Arrivals

Hong Kong is expected to welcome as many as 1.2 million mainland Chinese visitors during the coming National Day golden week holiday, marking a 10% increase from last year, according to the Travel Industry Council. The council, a federation of trade associations, predicts a growth in inbound tour groups by nearly 10% to 850 during the seven-day holiday commencing on October 1.

Peak Cruise Season Ahead

In addition to the golden week boom, the upcoming months herald peak cruise season, with the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau forecasting that non-local passenger numbers will surge by about 50% compared to 2023.

• 1.15 million to 1.2 million mainland visitors expected during holidays.
• About 30,000 of visitors may arrive via tour groups.
• Continuous increasing number of tour groups from 780 last year.

Festive Attractions and Visitor Spending

Council chairwoman Gianna Hsu Wong Mei-lun estimated new visitor trends with a willingness to spend upon finding their favorite items during their visit. She indicated that upcoming attractions like drone shows, festival discounts, and enhanced transit through new infrastructure are expected to attract more travelers from the Greater Bay Area.

In a radio interview, Hsu discussed her optimism stemming from a series of celebratory events arranged by the government, aimed at luring travelers to Hong Kong and encouraging longer stays. Additionally, the expansion of the individual visit scheme now covers 59 mainland cities, enhancing accessibility for tourists.

Future of Tourism in Hong Kong

Hsu anticipates an influx of visitors from long-haul markets during the winter, which typically sees an upswing in travel to Hong Kong.