More Hongkongers are travelling over the Christmas holiday period compared with last year, with traditional destinations in Japan remaining popular despite geopolitical tensions, and mainland Chinese cities such as Harbin and Yunnan gaining appeal.
Some industry insiders said Japan remained popular among Hong Kong travellers despite recent news of earthquakes and a geopolitical row between Beijing and Tokyo, which earlier saw mainland visitors cancelling their trips in droves.
In response, Beijing issued official travel advisories urging citizens to avoid going to Japan due to security concerns, with Chinese airlines cancelling over 40 per cent of flights between the two countries in December.
Outbound travel started on Christmas Eve on Wednesday, when the number of Hong Kong residents departing the airport jumped 22 per cent to 65,133 from the same day a year ago, according to the Immigration Department.
