Hong Kong to review bookings for famous Sai Kung trail after high no-show rate

Hong Kong's authorities plan to evaluate a new reservation system for a popular Sai Kung trail, known for its striking volcanic rock formations, following a high no-show rate during the National Day "golden week" at the end of October. Despite 3,230 people booking the trail using a real-name reservation system, only 1,560 registered and walk-in visitors arrived at Po Pin Chau on Saturday and Sunday.

Lawmakers and a district councillor have proposed solutions such as increasing on-site quotas, enhancing booking status transparency, and implementing a penalty points system to discourage no-shows. The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) pledged to strengthen visitor management and enforcement in the area, while maintaining public education campaigns.

Golden week encompasses two major holidays in mainland China around October 1 and Chinese New Year, known as the Spring Festival. The reservation system was introduced to curb overtourism and manage visitor numbers at 2,000 per day between 9 am and 5 pm. Lawmaker Chris Ip suggested analyzing trial data to better gauge no-show rates and determine future quotas.

Ho recommended providing real-time booking status updates to assist the public in making informed decisions, while Cheung proposed a penalty points system for repeated no-shows. The trail, spanning about 1km, is located in the Unesco Global Geopark at Sai Kung East Country Park, featuring impressive hexagonal volcanic rock columns overlooking the sea.