Hong Kong’s John Lee says city has to ‘face trend’ of resident outflow during holidays, shore up tourism strengths
Chief executive declares ‘Night Vibes’ campaign a success and having achieved desired visitor footfall and capitalImmigration data shows net outflow of people over long weekendHong Kong tourismWilla WuandLo Hoi-yingPublished: 1:11pm, 3 Oct, 2023Why you can trust SCMP
Hong Kong has to “face the trend” of residents leaving the city for breaks and recognise this as a reminder to strengthen efforts to draw tourists, Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu on Tuesday said after travel data indicated that locals heading off over the long weekend doubled that of arrivals.
The city’s leader also stressed that the first phase of the government’s “Night Vibes Hong Kong” push to fire up the evening economy had achieved expected results as substantial visitor traffic was observed at three waterfront and shopping centres involved. He vowed to continue the campaign into early next year.
460,000 mainland arrivals over weekend – but 1 million Hongkongers head off
Immigration Department statistics showed 459,449 people from mainland China visited the city amid the Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day break from Friday to Sunday, accounting for 87 per cent of total arrivals over the long weekend. The daily figure peaked on Sunday at 177,770.