The Hong Kong government has initiated comprehensive preparations to accommodate the anticipated surge of mainland tourists during the upcoming Labour Day Golden Week holiday (May 1-5). At a high-level coordination meeting chaired by Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism Rosanna Law on April 9, officials from multiple government departments and tourism industry representatives mapped out strategies to ensure smooth visitor experiences.
Key Meeting Participants
The session brought together officials from the Hong Kong Police, Immigration Department, Customs and Excise Department, Transport Department, and various District Offices. Tourism sector representatives included the Travel Industry Authority, Hong Kong Tourism Board, Travel Industry Council of Hong Kong, West Kowloon Cultural District Authority, major attractions, and hotel operators.
Strategic Focus Areas
Authorities are implementing enhanced crowd management protocols at border control points and popular tourist sites. The Transport Department will increase cross-harbour ferry services and extend Mass Transit Railway (MTR) operating hours during peak periods. Tourism operators are conducting special staff training programs focused on Mandarin-language services and cultural sensitivity.
Industry Readiness Indicators
Preliminary data show hotel occupancy rates are projected to reach 85-90% during the holiday period, with room rates averaging 15-20% higher than regular weekends. Major attractions have introduced timed-entry ticketing systems to manage visitor flows, while the Tourism Board is promoting lesser-known cultural sites to distribute crowds more evenly.
Government Assurance
"We are fully committed to ensuring all visitors enjoy Hong Kong's unique blend of cultural and leisure experiences," Secretary Law emphasized. "Our cross-department task force will maintain real-time monitoring of all key tourist areas throughout the holiday period."
The interdepartmental working group on festival arrangements will convene weekly until the holiday period begins to fine-tune operational details. This year's preparations are particularly crucial as Hong Kong aims to restore its tourism sector to pre-pandemic levels, with mainland visitors accounting for nearly 80% of total arrivals before 2020.
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