Mainland visitors increased by nearly 30% after introduction of 'multiple-entry visa'
According to CCTV News, last Saturday (Dec. 7) was the first weekend after the implementation of the policy of "multiple-entry visa" for Shenzhen residents to visit Hong Kong.
According to the statistics of the Special Administrative Region government, there were about 145,000 mainland tourists visiting Hong Kong on that day, which is a 28.5% increase compared with the average number of tourists on weekends in November.
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.
Some merchants said that their stores usually sell about 500 to 800 shortcakes from about 3 to 4 p.m. However, with the implementation of the "multiple-entry visa" program, the number of shortcakes sold will increase by about 1,500 to 2,000 per year.
Apart from the retail industry, Hong Kong's catering and tourism industries also welcome the policy of "multiple-entry visa" for Shenzhen residents to visit Hong Kong. Simon Wong, President of the Hong Kong Federation of Restaurants and Related Trades, said that in terms of food and beverage, it is necessary to have some Hong Kong characteristics of food and beverage culture, and hope that it can be promoted to mainland tourists.
In 2025, Hong Kong will have new venues coming into service, and there will be a lot of concerts, large-scale performances, etc., which is believed to have some attraction to Shenzhen residents.
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