Surge, surge, surge! Search interest in HK& Macao travel increases by 30%
Starting Dec. 1, 2024, Shenzhen residents with household registration or residence permits can apply for a "multiple-entry visa" for travel to Hong Kong. Under this policy, residents will be allowed unlimited trips to Hong Kong within one year, with each stay not exceeding 7 days.
The new policy will have a profound impact on Hong Kong's economic and social development. Firstly, it will attract a large number of mainland tourists to Hong Kong, injecting new vitality into the retail sector. Mainland tourists have always been an important consumer group for Hong Kong's retail industry, and their arrival will drive growth in consumption across various sectors such as shopping, dining, and entertainment. Additionally, this will promote the diversification of Hong Kong's economy, creating more job opportunities for the city. Beyond traditional shopping and dining, Hong Kong has also launched many new tourism projects and cultural activities, including art exhibitions, music festivals, and sports events, to attract more mainland tourists to participate.
According to data from Ctrip, the Hong Kong and Macao regions rank among the top 10 popular outbound travel destinations for mainland residents this year. Since the beginning of the year, orders for mainland residents traveling to Hong Kong and Macao have increased by over 11% year-on-year.
Since the beginning of the year, orders for transportation from Shenzhen to Hong Kong have increased by 21% year-on-year, ticket orders have risen by 38%, and vehicle orders have grown by 53%.
Qin Jing, vice president of Ctrip Group, believes that in recent years, the demand for tourism, cultural, and business exchanges between the mainland, Hong Kong and Macao has continued to grow. This policy adjustment not only provides travelers with the convenience of multiple trips but also enriches the life experiences of residents in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA).
"Furthermore, this move will effectively strengthen the interconnectedness of cities within GBA, promoting regional integration and bringing more possibilities and vitality to regional development," said Qin.
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Mainland residents to enjoy easier access to HK and Macao with multi-entry visas
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