'HK saw strong Golden Week tourism numbers'

Hong Kong experienced a robust tourism season during the National Day Golden Week, with visitor numbers exceeding projections and a shift towards more personalized experiences, according to industry figures. More than 1.4 million visitors arrived in the city from October 1st to the 7th, representing a 15% increase year-on-year in daily mainland arrivals at around 202,000.

Fanny Yeung, executive director of the Travel Industry Council of Hong Kong, highlighted that the surge in independent travelers contributed to a diverse and sustainable tourism economy. Carrel Kam, vice-chairman of the Institute of Dining Professionals, noted a strong demand for local dining experiences, with many restaurants and food outlets performing well during the holiday.

The surge in social media presence, particularly on platforms like Xiaohongshu and Douyin, also played a crucial role in boosting tourism, with some businesses reporting a 20% increase in bookings due to social media promotion. Despite the positive outlook, Yeung expressed optimism that the new Huanggang port, set to open soon, would bring long-term benefits to the tourism industry by enhancing its performance, although she cautioned that the impact would likely be more medium to long-term rather than a short-term surge in numbers.