Hong Kong sees 680,000 visitors over Lunar New Year holiday

Hong Kong, from Lunar New Year's Eve to the third day of the Lunar New Year, has drawn a total of 680,000 visitors, including 564,000 mainland Chinese visitors, an increase of 4 percent compared to the same period last year, said Executive Director of the Hong Kong Tourism Board Dane Cheng Ting-yat.

Speaking on a radio program this morning, Cheng said the mainland is still enjoying their eight-day holiday for the Spring Festival, and he believes there will be many more visitors traveling south to Hong Kong in the following days. 

He also noted that during the Lunar New Year period, many hotels were fully booked as the city hosts various mega-events, with visitors wanting to experience the festive atmosphere in Hong Kong.

He told the radio program that there are many exciting events to attract tourists this year, including the Hong Kong Marathon this month, the Hong Kong Rugby Sevens and the Basel Art Exhibition next month.

The opening of the Kai Tak Sports Park - a new landmark in Hong Kong, will also enhance the city’s tourism appeal, said Cheng.

Meanwhile, the tourism chief said in order to attract Middle Eastern tourists to Hong Kong, dozens of hotels and restaurants have obtained Halal certification.

“Although the number of Middle Eastern tourists is not large, the industry believes that with the facilities in place and through promotion, Muslim travelers will consider coming to Hong Kong during long journeys,” he said.