The five-consecutive-day Labour Day Golden Week of the Mainland (May 1 to 5) ended yesterday (May 5) with the overall number of inbound Mainland visitors in line with earlier estimate, and the operation at boundary control points and different arrangements for receiving visitors were conducted smoothly in general, a Government spokesman said today (May 6).

     The Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr Kevin Yeung, said, "We thank various relevant government departments, organisations and trade, etc for their utmost efforts in enhancing crowd management work to showcase Hong Kong's hospitality and provide wonderful travel experiences to inbound Mainland visitors. Although the Golden Week was affected by the rain most of the time, the number of Mainland visitors reached around 760 000, matching our initial estimate and bringing Hong Kong's economy with more than 2 billion Hong Kong dollars consumption returns, with a vibrant ambience. In addition, I am glad that the marine pyrotechnic display was held smoothly on May 1, creating vibrant vibes. To welcome visitors, the Government will review its work to facilitate future communication and co-ordination as well as enhancing visitors' experience."

     During the five-day Labour Day Golden Week of the Mainland, the Immigration Department recorded a total of around 766 000 Mainland visitors coming to Hong Kong through various sea, land and air control points. The daily average of Mainland visitors was around 153 000, which exceeded that of the 2023 Labour Day Golden Week of the Mainland by 22 per cent.

     Arrival of Mainland visitors peaked on May 2 with around 192 000 visitors arriving in Hong Kong. Express Rail Link West Kowloon received the highest daily average number of Mainland visitors, followed by Lok Ma Chau Spur Line.

     The marine pyrotechnic display held by the Hong Kong Tourism Board over Victoria Harbour near Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade (near Tsim Sha Tsui East) on May 1 attracted visitors and members of the public to watch on both sides of the Victoria Harbour. The overall response was positive. In the meantime, the Yau Tsim Mong Shopping Festival, initiated by the Yau Tsim Mong District Office and the District Council, also kicked off on the same day, encouraging visitors and the members of the public to consume during the Golden Week to facilitate retail sales.

     A large number of visitors went to various major tourist attractions in Hong Kong during the Labour Day Golden Week of the Mainland, including Hong Kong Disneyland, Ocean Park, Ngong Ping 360, the Peak Tram and the West Kowloon Cultural District, etc. In addition, according to the hotel trade's preliminary statistics, the overall hotel occupancy rate exceeded 85 per cent.

     According to the Travel Industry Authority's registration information, around 570 Mainland inbound tour groups visited Hong Kong during the Labour Day Golden Week of the Mainland, involving around 19 000 visitors which account for around 2.4 per cent of the overall number of Mainland visitors.

Ends/Monday, May 6, 2024
Issued at HKT 21:23

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