Chief Executive John Lee stated that there was a considerable increase in the number of mainland visitors during the recent Golden Week holiday. According to Lee, a total of 1.22 million visitors came to Hong Kong during this holiday period, marking a significant 27 percent increase compared to last year’s Golden Week and a 13 percent increase compared to the Golden Week in May.
During his discussion with reporters before the Executive Council meeting, Lee mentioned that there were over 1,000 mainland tourist groups that visited Hong Kong, with 80 percent of these groups opting to stay overnight. This influx of visitors had a positive impact on various sectors, including the restaurant industry. Lee highlighted that restaurants experienced a boost in turnover during the week, with approximately 2 billion dollars in business generated, reflecting a five percent increase.
Moreover, the celebrations for the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China also contributed to the increase in business activity. Various sectors reported larger numbers of visitors and customers, leading to an overall growth in business turnover during the Golden Week period.
In terms of specific events, Lee mentioned that the National Day fireworks display drew in over 330,000 spectators. Additionally, approximately 190,000 movie-goers took advantage of half-price tickets on that day, representing a 22 percent increase from the previous year. Furthermore, on October 1, which offered free admission, 60,000 individuals visited museums and art spaces managed by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department.
To encourage more people to explore the city, 4.43 million individuals enjoyed free or discounted journeys on various modes of transport on the same day. These initiatives aimed to promote cultural engagement and leisure activities among both locals and tourists alike during the Golden Week holiday.
Overall, the positive response from visitors and the increase in business activity across different sectors indicate a promising outlook for Hong Kong’s tourism and hospitality industry. The successful implementation of various promotions and events during the Golden Week holiday not only attracted more visitors but also provided opportunities for economic growth and cultural enrichment in the region.
