The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region expects to see nearly one million visitors from the Chinese mainland during the Labor Day Golden Week holiday from May 1 to 5, authorities said on Monday.
Around 980,000 mainland visitors are expected pass through the city’s various sea, land and air control points during the holiday, with visitor arrivals increasing by about 7 percent, said the Immigration Department of the HKSAR government.
“The government will make good preparations for receiving visitors, as well as maintaining close liaison with relevant organizations and the travel trade,” said Chief Secretary for Administration Eric Chan Kwok-ki, who chaired an interdepartmental working group meeting on Monday to coordinate preparations.
ALSO READ: Tourist arrivals in Hong Kong soar 17% y-o-y in Q1
The HKSAR government said it has a zero-tolerance stance towards coerced shopping and will take stringent action against any violations.
Travel agents and tourist guides are obliged to ensure the safety and interests of visitors joining inbound tour groups, including protecting them from malpractices such as coerced shopping, it added.
According to the estimate of the Travel Industry Authority and the trade, about 770 inbound tour groups will visit Hong Kong during the Golden Week.
The TIA reminded travel agents receiving mainland tour groups to stagger arrival times as far as possible, and coordinate with relevant agencies to ensure a pleasant travel experience for travelers.
READ MORE: HK: Mainland visitor arrivals rose 14% over Spring Festival holiday
The Transport Department has also approached various public transport operators and urged them to enhance their capacity, and reserve sufficient vehicles and manpower to meet the travel needs of passengers during peak periods.
The MTR Corp Ltd will enhance East Rail Line services at different periods from April 30 to May 5 for the convenience of residents and visitors.
