Monday, September 23, 2024 Hong Kong is poised to welcome up to 1.2 million visitors from mainland China during the upcoming National Day “Golden Week” holiday, marking a 10% increase compared to last year, according to the Travel Industry Council. The council, which represents various trade associations, also forecasts nearly 850 inbound tour groups during the seven-day holiday starting on October 1, reflecting a similar growth rate.
Despite the expected tourism boost, the catering industry may not see significant benefits due to a predicted large-scale exodus of residents and a cautious economic environment that has led businesses to scale back celebrations. Beyond the Golden Week surge, the peak cruise season is also approaching. The Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau anticipates a 50% increase in non-local cruise passengers by the end of the year compared to 2023.
Council chairwoman Gianna Hsu Wong Mei-lun estimates that 1.15 to 1.2 million mainland tourists will visit Hong Kong during Golden Week, up from around 1.
1 million last year. While she noted a shift in spending habits, with travelers now preferring more in-depth experiences, she emphasized that they remain keen to spend on favored items during their stay. The Individual Visit Scheme, launched in 2003 in four Guangdong cities, has since expanded to cover 59 mainland cities, making it easier for residents to visit Hong Kong independently.
In the coming months, cruise itineraries from destinations including mai.