The tourism industry is forecasting a significant rise in demand for guided tours and travel products, anticipating the arrival of 1.54 million mainland tourists during the eight-day National Day Golden Week holiday.
Increased demand for one-day tours
In an interview with Sing Tao Daily, The Standard’s sister publication, Andy Lam, director of Prince Traveller, predicted that business for traditional National Day travel groups will remain steady.
However, he reported a 15 to 20 percent increase in demand for guided activities and one-day tours, driven by a rise in independent visitors.
"Many tourists utilize online resources to familiarize themselves with the city’s attractions, preferring one-day tours, such as trips to Sai Kung, for greater flexibility and deeper experiences," Lam explained.
In response to the government’s promotion of "Four Peaks" tourism—spanning Victoria Peak, Lantau Peak, Sai Kung Hoi, and Tai Mo Shan—Lam revealed that related travel products are in development.
Noting that hiking is safer and more enjoyable in cooler weather, he said the new tours are expected to debut after late October, and he expressed confidence in their potential.
Lam also urged for more government support, such as improved transport and visitor information, adding that routes would be tailored to group size and ability.
New "Red Tourism" routes
Meanwhile, Lam mentioned that his company has introduced new tours, including "red tourism" routes. These feature sites such as the Sha Tau Kok Anti-Japanese War Memorial Hall and the Hong Kong Museum of the War of Resistance and Coastal Defence, which have drawn considerable local interest.
Lam observed that Western tourists show more interest in these historical routes, while mainland visitors often have access to similar sites at home. He added that specialized tours for student groups from both Hong Kong and the mainland are also being arranged.
Another travel agency manager, Ronald Wu Keng-hou, anticipates a 10 percent overall business increase during Golden Week.
While red tourism-related activities may not be ready for this holiday, Wu indicated interest in developing such services for future offerings because of their educational value and novelty.
"The primary audience will be students and overseas Chinese seeking to deepen their understanding of history," Wu said.
Attractiveness of "Four Peaks" tourism
Regarding "Four Peaks" tourism, Wu believed these routes would attract a significant number of independent visitors. He advised tourists to plan their itineraries through various channels, including the Tourism Board.
By offering diverse experiences covering locations like Lantau Island, Tai O, and Ngong Ping, Wu hopes these itineraries will encourage tourists to visit Hong Kong more frequently, making each trip an ongoing exploration.
Fanny Yeung Shuk-fan, Executive Director of the Travel Industry Council of Hong Kong, expressed confidence that the "Four Peaks" initiative will help disperse crowds from traditional tourist hotspots.
While the number of organized tours is expected to grow, she emphasized the critical need for trained guides to ensure safety alongside an informative experience.
Yeung also predicted an increase in "red tourism" products following recent industry familiarization tours.
Cinematic allure
Influenced by the Hong Kong blockbuster "Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In", over 100,000 visitors have attended the “Kowloon Walled City: A Cinematic Journey” exhibition since its May opening.
A tourist from Anhui, surnamed Miu, visited after seeing posts on the social media platform Xiaohongshu.
“I love Hong Kong's old heritage, and I was impressed by how detailed the setup was to relive scenes in the movie. I will definitely recommend this exhibition to my friends,” Miu said.
To boost foot traffic and spending in the Kowloon City area, the Urban Renewal Authority launched a “Kowloon City Local Guide” website in September.
Cheung, an employee at a grocery store specializing in Thai snacks that has been operating in the neighborhood for over 20 years, anticipates a 10 to 20 percent sales boost during the holiday.
"Every mainland customer buys pandan ice heart buns, which is recommended on Xiaohongshu,” he said.
He noted a noticeable increase in foreign customers since the opening of Kai Tak Sports Park and said the film's impact has shifted the customer base to a 50-50 split between locals and tourists.
