28th September 2024 – (Hong Kong) The city is poised for a significant tourism boost during the upcoming National Day holiday, with expectations of welcoming around 200,000 visitors from mainland China on each of the first two days of October. This marks a substantial rebound in tourism figures, reaching new highs since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to Fanny Yeung Shuk-fan, Executive Director of the Travel Industry Council.
In a recent radio interview, Yeung detailed that approximately 800 mainland tour groups are scheduled to visit Hong Kong during the “Golden Week” holiday, with an additional 1.2 million visitors anticipated under the Individual Visit Scheme. Despite these impressive numbers, Yeung noted a predicted decline in per capita spending to around HK$4,000, slightly lower than last year’s figures.
“While the projected visitor numbers represent only 75 per cent of the pre-pandemic levels seen in 2018, it is important for the industry to recognize that recovery to full normalcy will take time,” Yeung explained.
In addition to discussing visitor statistics, Yeung also touched on the potential expansion of what she termed the “panda economy.” She suggested that stakeholders should consider developing panda-themed intellectual property rights to be leveraged by businesses, emphasizing that the success of this niche market should not be solely dependent on attractions like Ocean Park.
Looking ahead, Yeung proposed that the soon-to-open Kai Tak Sports Park could play a pivotal role in attracting high-end tourists. She recommended hosting more superstar concerts and reserving about 1 per cent of event tickets for travel agencies, which could then be offered as part of exclusive travel packages.