According to the Immigration Department, around 1.19 million visitors arrived in Hong Kong over the Labour Day Golden Week of the Mainland from May 1 to 5, representing an 8% increase over the same period last year. Mainland inbound visitors accounted for around 1.01 million, representing an increase of 10% compared to last year.
The interdepartmental working group on festival arrangements, led by Chief Secretary Chan Kwok-ki, said the surge in visitor arrivals directly boosted local businesses, including retail, catering and hotels, bringing significant economic benefits.
Mr Chan said: “Popular attractions saw a large number of visitors and a vibrant atmosphere, showcasing the unique metropolitan charm of the city.
“Representatives of some shopping malls indicated that consumption in various retail categories saw year-on-year double-digit increases, while the catering sector noted that businesses in tourist areas increased about 20% in the same period, generating considerable economic benefits. These results fully reflected the function of the tourism industry as an important driver of the local economy.
“The Government will continue to work closely with these industries to promote diversified tourism products and projects, creating comprehensive and immersive travel experiences for tourists while spreading the economic advantages brought by visitor increases to different sectors to benefit the overall economy.”
During the five-day Golden Week, there was a daily average of around 200,000 Mainland visitors. Inbound Mainland visitors peaked on May 2, with around 260,000 of them arriving in Hong Kong. Lok Ma Chau Spur Line Control Point received the highest number of Mainland visitors, followed by the Express Rail Link West Kowloon Control Point.
Around 820 Mainland inbound tour groups brought over 32,000 visitors to Hong Kong, with around 60% engaged in overnight itineraries. The number of tour groups remained similar to the same period last year. The overall hotel occupancy rate reached 90%, slightly higher than last year. Hotel prices rose 10% compared with long holidays in the past.
The Government said overall traffic conditions were generally smooth during the Golden Week.
At East Dam of the High Island Reservoir in Sai Kung, various departments took measures to control traffic, increase minibus frequencies, publish visitor flow information, and strengthen cleaning services according to the plan devised before the Golden Week.
The Agriculture, Fisheries & Conservation Department (AFCD) implemented crowd control measures at Po Pin Chau during busy hours, with the pedestrian flow smooth and order well maintained.
Usage, hygiene and order were generally good at the campsites in Ham Tin Wan, Sai Wan and Long Ke Wan.
Separately, the AFCD issued advisories and warnings along Sections 1 and 2 of the MacLehose Trail, as well as at designated campsites nearby. A total of 19 enforcement cases were logged against offences of littering, illegal camping outside designated campsites.
Mr Chan thanked government departments, organisations, and industries for working together for properly handling the reception of visitors, creating a welcoming travel experience for them during the Golden Week.
