Hong Kong’s new Huanggang Port seemingly quiet ahead of expected holiday rush

Hong Kong's recently refurbished Huanggang Port is anticipated to process over 100,000 passenger journeys daily during the upcoming three-day Chung Yeung Festival holiday, yet its departure terminal remained tranquil on Saturday morning. Security Secretary Chris Tang Ping-keung reported the port had operated smoothly since its inauguration on Monday, processing approximately 80,000 passenger trips daily, with the count surpassing 92,000 on Friday.

This signified a twofold increase from the 30,000 to 40,000 trips recorded prior to the reconstruction. Concurrently, passenger trips at the Lo Wu and Lok Ma Chau control points dwindled by 3 to 7 percent. Tang expressed confidence in the port's ability to handle the heightened influx, stating that the maximum capacity of the new port is at least 200,000 trips.

Additional personnel would be deployed to ensure the automated and manual clearance channels remain open as required, along with increased staffing at public transport pickup and drop-off points to avoid congestion. Waiting times were generally under five minutes and not exceeding 15 minutes, with passengers often able to pass through the control point with minimal wait.

Tang emphasized that the overall efficiency had effectively increased by at least fourfold, meaning it is four times as swift. He further noted that 300,000 residents had registered for "joint clearance" via a mobile application, enabling passengers to complete both departure and entry procedures by presenting their identity document at the destination and passing through a three-gate automated channel.

A reporter observed smooth traveler movement from across Hong Kong into the departure hall, with no significant queues at the automated border control gates. Local residents cited the Huanggang Port's affordability and shorter travel duration as reasons for their preference over the Lo Wu port. Despite rising fuel prices impacting short-haul visitor numbers and a decline in arrivals from Southeast Asia, Hong Kong's tourism sector remains promising due to the favorable reception of many mega-events, with an expected total of 53.8 million visitors for the year.

Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism Rosanna Law Shuk-pui highlighted the opening of the new Huanggang Port as a positive development, offering tourists another crossing option and enhanced convenience.