Mainland Chinese arrivals in first 2 days of ‘golden week’ holiday top 2018 total

Mainland Chinese visitors to Hong Kong during the first two days of the National Day "golden week" holiday exceeded the total from the same period in 2018, according to the city's tourism chief. The immigration department reported 511,311 arrivals on Thursday and Friday, surpassing the 508,578 recorded in 2018. Visitor numbers on the first day alone surged to 277,304, up from 247,626 in 2018. The second day saw 234,007 arrivals, compared to 260,952 the previous year.

Rosanna Law Shuk-pui, the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, expressed confidence that Hong Kong could surpass its annual target of 53.8 million visitors earlier than planned. She noted that visitor numbers for the Mid-Autumn Festival weekend increased by 28%, suggesting a potential boost for the golden week. Even with global challenges, particularly in Southeast Asia, Law remained optimistic about reaching the target.

She acknowledged that high airfares have affected short-haul travelers' willingness to visit Hong Kong.

The government's visitor target represents an 8% increase from the 49.89 million arrivals recorded in 2025. Law emphasized the importance of understanding travellers' preferences and hoped to reestablish connections with previously active markets, such as Southeast Asia, once global conditions improve. Additionally, she highlighted the success of events like the Victoria Park Mid-Autumn lantern carnival, which showcased Hong Kong's unique East-meets-West appeal.