'Many things to do in HK - rain or shine'

Even if the pyrotechnic show over Victoria Harbour is canceled due to bad weather tomorrow, it will not deter plans by mainland tour groups to visit Hong Kong during Labor Day golden week, says Travel Industry Council chairwoman Gianna Hsu Wong Mei-lun.

With or without the pyrotechnic show, Hong Kong is still attractive to mainland tourists, Hsu said on radio yesterday. She expects around 800 mainland tour groups to visit Hong Kong during the five-day holiday, similar to pre-pandemic figures.

"There are many events taking place in Hong Kong - such as teamLab's ovoids exhibition at Tamar Park, exhibitions related to Jin Yong's Centennial Memorial and Voyage with Van Gogh light exhibition in Tsim Sha Tsui - so we are not too worried that the potential cancellation of the pyrotechnic show would affect Hong Kong's attractiveness," she said.

About 60 percent of mainland visitors will stay overnight, and the rest might engage in day trips, as Hsu said convenient transportation allows tourists to return to the mainland on the same day.

She said cross-border coach services would enhance their frequency by 40 percent to meet travelers' demands.

Hong Kong Tourism Industry Employees General Union chairwoman Sara Leung Fong-yuen said if the pyrotechnic show is canceled it would not disappoint mainland tourists, as first- or second-tiered cities sometimes hold pyrotechnic or drone shows too.

"And if the show is affected by bad weather, travel agencies will arrange indoor activities for tourists," she said.

Some colorful ovoids at Tamar Park were deflated due to windy weather, but tourist were indifferent. Hu, from the mainland, said: "I'm not particularly disappointed, it's fine. If it's because of the weather, the organizer will have to make other arrangements."

Another tourist, Li, said: "Not all [illuminating ovoids] were deflated, some are still here.".

"To ensure safety, the Leisure and Cultural Services Department deflated some five-meter tall exhibits placed in the windy areas, cordoned off relevant areas, and placed maintenance notices," it said.

Heavy showers and thunderstorms are expected to affect Hong Kong today and tomorrow due to a low pressure trough edging closer to the coast of southern China, according to the observatory.

"The weather will remain unsettled on Thursday," the observatory said. The rainy weather will ease on Friday, with temperatures climbing up to 30 degrees Celsius on the weekend.

marcus.lum@singtaonewscorp.com