1.45mn mainland visitors expected during LNY holiday

The tourism sector forecasted that Hong Kong will welcome around 1.45 million mainland visitors during the Lunar New Year holiday, marking a 15 percent increase compared to last year and reaching 90 percent of pre-pandemic levels.

The Travel Industry Council of Hong Kong (TIC) noted that the number of daily inbound travelers from the mainland could reach 210,000 from January 30 to February 1, the expected travel peak during the eight-day Golden Week.

Most mainland travelers are also anticipated to enter the city through the individual travel scheme, with over 2,000 tour groups accounting for about five percent of all visitors.

Additionally, 70 percent of mainland tour groups are expected to stay overnight in Hong Kong, primarily for one night. Hotel occupancy rates during the period are projected to approach 90 percent. 

Fanny Yeung Shuk-fan, Executive Director of TIC, expressed confidence in the foot traffic during the upcoming holiday, highlighting that events such as the night parade and fireworks display will take place throughout the period.