Singapore travellers give Hong Kong a miss over Diwali long weekend

One Singapore tour agency says for the first time in its five-decade history it has no long weekend bookings for Hong Kong

This comes as visitor numbers to Hong Kong drop as anti-government protests continue, prompting travel warnings from many countries

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A tourist takes a photograph of Hong Kong's skyline from Victoria Peak, a popular destination for travellers to the city. Photo: EPA-EFE

Published: 4:00pm, 26 Oct 2019Updated: 3:29pm, 30 Oct 2019

Hong Kong has typically been a top destination for a long weekend break for Singaporeans, but many are giving the city a miss this Saturday and Sunday as anti-government protests continue into their 21st weekend.

Deepavali, the Hindu festival of lights, falls on Sunday and Monday is a public holiday in Singapore.

For the first time since opening some five decades ago, Singapore-based tour agency Nam Ho Travel does not have any tour bookings to Hong Kong for the long weekend. During previous long weekends, it would have at least 10 to 20 bookings.

“It is quite unusual. Usually during this year-end period, quite a number of Singaporeans would want to go to Hong Kong,” said a spokeswoman who did not want to be named, adding that the cooler temperatures appealed to those in the city state.

Hong Kong is also known as a “family-friendly destination” to Singaporeans, she said, citing attractions such as Disneyland and Ocean Park.

Most of the agency’s customers have instead opted for destinations such as Thailand, Japan, and South Korea.

Another travel agency, C&E Holidays, said they have had no enquiries for the long weekend, despite repeatedly advertising Hong Kong tours.

“This month is totally dead,” said a spokesman. The agency will now focus on short-haul destinations, including neighbouring Batam in Indonesia.

Hong Kong's skyline at night, from Victoria Peak, a top tourist attraction. Photo: EPA-EFE