Single-digit rise forecast for mainland tourists in Hong Kong over ‘golden week’

Hong Kong can expect at least single-digit growth of the number of mainland Chinese tourists over the five-day Labour Day “golden week” holiday beginning on Thursday, according to an industry leader, while a hotel operator has said the occupancy rate is likely to hit about 96 per cent.

Timothy Chui Ting-pong, executive director of the Hong Kong Tourism Association, said on Tuesday that mainland tourists would be drawn to the city mainly due to the multi-entry visa scheme designed for Shenzhen residents.

“I think the [percentage] increase would be at least single digit [year on year], as the base figure for the multi-entry visa scheme for Shenzhen residents is quite large. During every big holiday. These visitors are the ones driving growth,” he told a radio programme.

Chui said his prediction was conservative.

“Even if it is single-digit growth, the increase in the number of tourists could be 60,000 or 80,000 [year on year]. This is not a small amount,” he said.

The tourism sector representative noted that there were several reasons mainland tourists would consider visiting Hong Kong during the holiday, but the multi-entry visa scheme for Shenzhen residents was the main factor.