Representatives of the city’s tourism sector expect single-digit growth in mainland travelers to Hong Kong during the upcoming Golden Week, with hotels anticipating a 96 percent occupancy rate.

Hong Kong Tourism Association Executive Director Timothy Chui Ting-pong estimates that over a million mainland visitors will arrive during the Labour Day holiday.

“Even with single-digit growth, that could translate to an increase of 60,000 to 80,000 visitors, which is certainly not a small number,” he said.

Speaking on a radio program Tuesday, Chui indicated that visitor flow for the holiday has already started, with peak entry expected around May 2 or 3.

To accommodate the anticipated influx, he stated that the tourism industry is well-prepared, having increased staff and developed fresh itineraries for newly opened attractions.

Chui also believes that mainland travelers will show particular interest in the Kai Tak Sports Park, making tours of its facilities likely to be in high demand.

Speaking on the same program, Chief Operations Officer of Miramar Group Alan Chan Chung-yee, noted that last year’s Golden Week saw hotel occupancy rates at 94 percent and 95 percent.

Currently, the booking rate exceeds 70 percent, slightly higher than the same period last year, and Chan expects this year’s occupancy rate to reach 96 percent.

He also pointed out that there is limited potential for significant increases in hotel prices across Hong Kong.

With traveler spending declining, Chan said high-end dining is struggling to achieve growth and the ongoing trade war is adversely affecting travelers’ psychological outlook.

(Cheng Wong)

Golden Week to see single-digit growth in mainland travelers, says tourism veterans