Mainland travelers' spending remains weak, says Simon Wong

Spending by mainland Chinese visitors has remained weak despite the tourism sector seeing more of them visiting Hong Kong - even after the resumption of the multi-entry permits for Shenzhen residents, said Simon Wong Kit-lung, Chairman of the Quality Tourism Services Association.

Speaking on a television program Saturday morning, Wong said Hong Kong was bustling and hustling with the Christmas holiday having just concluded, and that Hong Kong residents were willing to stay and spend in the territory.

It is estimated that businesses in the catering industry increased by up to 20 percent more than the previous month, he said.

However, Wong said the spending power of mainland tourists has decreased, similar to that of other international tourists.

He said local businesses may find it challenging to recover to their pre-pandemic revenue levels, but as long as the catering and retail industries grasp new opportunities, they will still be able to keep their businesses running.

In promoting hospitality across various industries, Wong said he hopes to expand the "Quality Tourism Service" program from retail stores to more industries, including the taxi industry.

He also said businesses could cooperate with the government to focus on the Islamic tourism market, promoting halal-friendly certification to attract more Middle Eastern tourists to Hong Kong.