Editorial | Hongkongers should do all they can to make visitors feel welcome
- With so many people in the city relying on tourism commerce, the “golden week” holiday offers Hong Kong a chance to showcase its unique appeal
The “golden week” holiday is upon us and the city is about to find out how prepared it is for the first peak tourism period after more than three years of pandemic closures. Hong Kong’s economic recovery depends on authorities, the hospitality sector and residents all doing their part to make visitors feel welcome.
Some 600,000 people from mainland China are expected to arrive over the Labour Day holiday from Saturday until May 5, according to the Travel Industry Council. The projection is lower than the 840,000 mainland visitors seen in the first three days of golden week in 2019, but nearly double the number welcomed over the recent four-day Easter holiday.
Since Hong Kong’s last Covid-19 restrictions were lifted in February, the critical tourism sector has struggled to get back on its feet. In late March, residents in densely populated areas of Kowloon were angered by chaotic arrangements for mainland visitors who ended up gathering in large groups on streets eating takeaway meals.
Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu said the government has been working to ensure the city is ready and it will “take appropriate measures” as needed over golden week. There are opportunities to boost the economy and employment with large numbers of visitors, he said, adding, “I believe Hong Kong residents will welcome them.”
There are reasons to be on edge. Airline operations are at half capacity compared with 2019 pre-pandemic levels. Flights from the mainland are expected to be full, putting pressure on pier checkpoints and land crossings. Catering and hotel sectors are struggling to find enough staff.