Hong Kong is gearing up for a surge in tourism during the upcoming National Day “Golden Week” holiday, expecting to welcome up to 1.2 million visitors from mainland China, a 10% increase compared to last year. This prediction comes from the Travel Industry Council, which represents various trade associations in the region.
The council also anticipates nearly 850 inbound tour groups during the seven-day holiday starting on October 1st, indicating a similar growth trajectory. However, despite the anticipated tourism boost, the catering industry remains cautiously optimistic. While the influx of visitors is welcomed, a predicted large-scale exodus of residents and a cautious economic environment have led businesses to temper their expectations for significant gains.
Beyond the Golden Week surge, Hong Kong is also preparing for a peak cruise season, with the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau projecting a 50% increase in non-local cruise passengers by the end of the year compared to 2023. Gianna Hsu Wong Mei-lun, chairwoman of the Travel Industry Council, estimates that 1.15 to 1.2 million mainland tourists will visit Hong Kong during Golden Week, a significant increase from the approximately 1.1 million visitors last year.
While acknowledging a shift in spending habits, with travelers now favoring more in-depth experiences, Wong emphasized their continued interest in purchasing popular items during their stay. The Individual Visit Scheme, launched in 2003 in four Guangdong cities, has expanded to encompass 59 mainland cities, allowing easier independent travel to Hong Kong for residents.
In the coming months, Hong Kong will feature prominently on cruise itineraries from various destinations, including mainland China, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan, and Thailand. The government is also actively collaborating with cruise companies to develop new itineraries and explore additional source markets.
Simon Wong Ka-wo, president of the Hong Kong Federation of Restaurants and Related Trades, expressed cautious optimism for the Golden Week, albeit expecting a 5-6% decline in turnover compared to last year. While the influx of tourists is promising, the economic environment remains a significant factor influencing the overall business outlook.
