The determine was 23.5 per cent greater than the identical interval final 12 months, however solely 66.8 per cent of 2019 figures, when 1.33 million journeys have been recorded.

Trade leaders mentioned the numbers confirmed better-targeted insurance policies have been wanted and that contemporary concepts needed to be included within the tourism blueprint designed to reboot the business, which can be unveiled later this 12 months.

“[They] can come and spend to contribute to our retail and eating industries,” Chan mentioned.

“On the identical time, it offers them with a possibility to witness the precise state of affairs in Hong Kong as there are occasional deceptive studies within the media.

“We have to bolster their confidence.”

The figures additionally confirmed that 85 per cent of vacationers have been from the mainland.

Kevin Yeung Yun-hung, the tourism minister, earlier mentioned he anticipated the mainland vacationer footfall for the vacation this 12 months can be in step with expectations of 800,000 individuals with a complete spend of greater than HK$2 billion (US$255.9 million).

Every in a single day customer in 2019 spent a mean of HK$5,818 and day journey vacationers spent HK$2,004 a head on common, Tourism Board figures confirmed.

The per capita spend by in a single day guests elevated 18.6 per cent to HK$6,900 final 12 months, however the quantity spent by day journey guests contracted by 35.1 per cent to HK$1,300.

However the board predicted spending by in a single day guests this 12 months would decline to a degree much like that logged in 2019.

There have been 2.01 million journeys out of the town over golden week, with 55 per cent of them involving Hong Kong residents.

Change in vacation habits sees funds journey to Hong Kong enhance

Mainland guests have been second for departures on 37 per cent, and the remaining 8 per cent was made up of tourists from elsewhere.

That meant a complete internet influx of 33,063 individuals journeys over the interval, 28.5 per cent decrease than the 46,274 recorded for a similar interval in 2023.

Simon Lee Siu-po, an honorary fellow on the Asia-Pacific Institute of Enterprise on the Chinese language College of Hong Kong, mentioned spending by vacationers was affected by individuals who had opted for cheaper lodge choices in close by Shenzhen and commutes to the town on day journeys.

“The federal government has been working arduous to draw vacationers, however but guests within the Better Bay Space are extra into low-spending day journeys whereas staying in a single day in Shenzhen,” he mentioned.

“In Shenzhen, when five-star accommodations like Grand Hyatt and Ritz Carlton solely cost about HK$1,100 to HK$1,400 an evening, there isn’t any incentive to remain in a single day in Hong Kong, which prices just a few thousand {dollars}.

“This is applicable to individuals exterior the bay space too.”

The bay space is Beijing’s plan to hyperlink Hong Kong and Macau with 9 mainland cities to create an financial powerhouse.

Lee highlighted that the 4 Seasons Resort in Shenzhen supplied an annual membership for two,888 yuan, which allowed individuals to assert a 50 per cent low cost on room charges and meals, together with money coupons and complimentary meals.

He recommended metropolis authorities ought to create incentives to draw guests, comparable to 20 per cent of their lodge charges after that they had spent a specific amount within the metropolis.

“Hong Kong is simply too costly for them to seek out good causes to pay for air tickets and costly accommodations to return and keep right here,” Lee mentioned.

“They might select different locations on the mainland or actually have a quick journey in Japan given the yen is affordable.”

Mainland customer spending to exceed HK$2 billion in Hong Kong over break: minister

Sara Leung Fong-yuen, the chairwoman of the Hong Kong Tourism Trade Staff Normal Union, mentioned authorities ought to put extra emphasis on distinctive components of metropolis tradition, comparable to stilt homes and storm shelters, somewhat than concentrating on elaborate fireworks shows and mega occasions.

“Hong Kong has a strong basis and possesses distinctive cultures,” she mentioned.

“I don’t perceive why the federal government isn’t rising funding on this facet for Hong Kong to have its promoting factors, identical to Disneyland offered us with a long-lasting and widespread vacationer attraction,” Leung added.

“Selling our distinctive tradition would additionally assist appeal to extra guests to return and discover as long-term sights.

“Mega occasions usually are not unique to Hong Kong. Additionally it is pricey and takes a very long time to entry its financial advantages in engaging guests.”

Leung mentioned the variety of guests had steadily gone up primarily via particular person travellers, however the variety of tour teams had not proven a major enhance.

She added the presence of non-city unlicensed tour operators additional difficult the state of affairs for registered journey businesses.

Authorities allotted HK$100 million to spice up mega occasion promotions over the subsequent three years in a bid to kick-start the sluggish tourism restoration.

Month-to-month HK$1 million fireworks reveals, which began on Might 1, can even be staged to dazzle vacationers.