MTR boosting trains to and from HK as mainland tourists soar

The MTR is boosting services in response to the increasing number of tourists traveling to and from Hong Kong.

Starting on Friday, the frequency of trains between Hong Kong West Kowloon Station and Shenzhen's Futian Station will be significantly increased for the next three weekends.

Over 200 additional train trips will be provided daily.

"We are committed to providing improved services to accommodate the rising number of tourists visiting Hong Kong," an MTR Corp spokesman said. "We have worked closely with mainland authorities and agreed to enhance services between Hong Kong and Shenzhen, particularly during the Easter holiday."

Specifically, the MTR will add 14 daily extra trips between Hong Kong and Futian on March 17 March 22 and March 24. And on March 16, March 23 and during the Easter holiday (March 29 to April 1) there will be 22 daily trips between the destinations.

Tickets for the additional trains went on sale yesterday, and passengers will also benefit from a same-day flexi-trip arrangement. This allows passengers to make last-minute changes to their travel plans up to three times on the day of a journey.

The MTRC is urging passengers to allow sufficient time for their journeys as crowds are expected. The company has assured it will strengthen instructions, announcements and station manpower during this period.

Meanwhile, Beijing is considering expanding the individual visit scheme to Hong Kong and Macau by including more cities.

The scheme currently allows residents from Xi'an and Qingdao to visit Hong Kong and Macau without being on a guided tour.

According to Vice Minister of Public Security and deputy to the National People's Congress Xu Ganlu the decision to add more cities will be based on Hong Kong's reception capacity and people's willingness to travel.

"We will continuously study the expansion of the scheme as long as it benefits Hong Kong's prosperity and development," Xu said.

He added that cities with mature conditions will be taken into consideration for inclusion in the scheme.

Francis Lui Yiu-tung, vice-chairman of Galaxy Entertainment and a member of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, suggested Hong Kong and Macau collaborate in hosting major events to attract tourists.

Lui said Hong Kong should focus on attracting high-spending tourists, while Macau can target family travelers by organizing significant events.

He added to promote "one trip, two stops" boosts tourism in both SARs.

ayra.wang@singtaonewscorp.com