HK sees more than 1.25 million mainland tourists over CNY holiday

Over the Chinese New Year holidays, Hong Kong received over 1.436 million tourists, including more than 1.25 million mainland tourists. These figures surpass the levels recorded during the same period in 2018.

During the eight-day Chinese New Year golden week of the mainland (內地春節黃金周) (10 February 2024 to 17 February 2024),  the daily average of mainland visitors recorded by the Hong Kong Immigration Department was around 157k, which exceeded that of the labour day holiday and national day golden week in 2023 by 25.3% and 14.9% respectively. The number of daily mainland visitor arrivals also exceeded the daily average for the same period in 2018.

Don’t miss: Over 377k mainland tourists leave HK during first 3 days of 'golden week'

Moreover, the arrival of mainland visitors peaked on 12 February 2024 (the third day of Chinese New Year) with around 186k visitors arriving in Hong Kong. Express Rail Link West Kowloon received the highest daily average number of mainland visitors, followed by Lo Wu.

According to the Travel Industry Authority's (旅遊業監管局) registration information, around 1,980 mainland inbound tour groups visited Hong Kong during the Chinese New Year golden week of the mainland, involving around 66k visitors which account for around 5.3% of the overall number.　

The government said that the overall hotel occupancy rate reached 90% in the first few days of the golden week and exceeded 80% for the golden week period, Additionally, different catering and retail spots also also benefited. A large number of visitors went to various major tourist attractions in Hong Kong during the holiday, including the West Kowloon Cultural District, Hong Kong Disneyland, Ocean Park, Ngong Ping 360, the Peak Tram, Che Kung Temple, Lam Tsuen and Wong Tai Sin Temple.

Kevin Yeung, the secretary for culture, sports and tourism, said: “The number of mainland visitors during the golden week has exceeded the level in the same period in 2018, intensifying the city's ambience and also increasing the income of the catering and retail industry.”

“The major events during Chinese New Year, including the night parade, the fireworks display, the horse race, and the Chinese New Year Cup, were very popular and created vibrant vibes. I believe visitors can feel the intense festive ambience of Chinese New Year and the unique metropolitan glamour of Hong Kong. To attract and welcome visitors, the government will review its work on different fronts to facilitate future coordination and enhancement of visitors' experience," Yeung added. 

Eric Chan, chief secretary for administration, said the special customs clearance arrangements during the Chinese New Year are effective, with the Shenzhen Bay Port achieving 24-hour clearance to facilitate travellers.

Don’t miss: HK govt faces backlash over traffic arrangements after New Year's Eve firework show

Back in January, the Hong Kong authorities pledged to review the traffic arrangements after large-scale events, as some Chinese tourists complained about long waiting hours to return home after the New Year fireworks display on 31 December 2023.

This came after services to the border stations of Lo Wu and Lok Ma Chau Spur Line checkpoints became unavailable after the New Year fireworks performance. It resulted in crowds of people gathering at the Sheung Shui stop to wait for the first cross-border train to return to the mainland.

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