Tour operators have warned that mainland visitors could desert Hong Kong this summer, with World Cup fever luring them to South Korea.
The 2002 finals are being jointly held in Japan and South Korea in June. China - who have qualified for the first time - will play their first-round matches in South Korea.
The South Korean Government recently announced it would allow Chinese tourists to visit without visas.
Wan Suqi, manager of China International Tour, said: 'Korean culture has become increasingly popular in China. Many people love their songs, TV programmes and fashion. The World Cup finals would make it even more attractive.'
Guo Chengsui, deputy general manager of China (HK & Macau) Travel Service, said: 'We have a long holiday in May, and the summer holiday begins in June, so usually there should be many tours to Hong Kong during the period. But this year could be exceptional.'
However, Simon Clennell, assistant manager of the Hong Kong Tourism Board, said the World Cup would not have a great impact.