20th May 2025 – (Hong Kong) Deputy Chief Secretary for Administration Cheuk Wing-hing addressed recent reports of Chinese tourists sleeping overnight in McDonald’s during a press conference on 20th May, alongside key government officials. The reports, which highlighted incidents of approximately 50 visitors staying in a Tsim Sha Tsui McDonald’s during the Labour Day Golden Week, have drawn public attention and criticism.
Cheuk described the reports as “somewhat exaggerated” and urged the public not to focus on isolated images or instances. He emphasised that the broader narrative of tourism in Hong Kong is far more positive, stating, “We should not allow one or two snapshots to define the situation. It is unrealistic to assume that visitors are coming to Hong Kong without spending money. Think about it—can a tourist truly survive a full day with just a bottle of water and then return home?”
The Labour Day holiday saw a significant influx of visitors to Hong Kong, with many drawn to the city’s new attractions and rich cultural offerings. However, the reports of tourists “camping” in fast-food restaurants have raised questions about whether the city is adequately prepared to accommodate rising visitor numbers.
Cheuk sought to reassure the public, noting that objective data does not support claims of a significant reduction in overnight stays by tourists. He highlighted that the government’s new initiatives, including the development of nine tourist hotspots, are designed to enhance the visitor experience and encourage spending. These projects include revitalising heritage sites like the Yau Ma Tei Police Station, promoting eco-tourism at the city’s famous peaks, and launching cultural and industrial tourism initiatives.
Tourism Commissioner Angelina Cheung added that Hong Kong currently has 5,000 registered tour guides, with efforts underway to address potential shortages in specialised areas such as eco-tourism and foreign language services. The government is also collaborating with the Travel Industry Council to encourage young people to enter the industry and to implement special licensing schemes for niche tour guides.
Cheuk reiterated that Hong Kong welcomes all types of visitors, regardless of their budget. He pointed out that even eco-tourism activities, such as hiking at Tai Mo Shan, naturally lead to spending at nearby restaurants and cafes. “Hong Kong’s appeal lies in its diversity. We want to ensure that visitors, whether staying overnight or just passing through, have a variety of options that contribute to the local economy,” he said.
While the government does not set rigid key performance indicators (KPIs) for the success of these tourism projects, officials remain confident that the initiatives will significantly boost visitor numbers and benefit industries such as hospitality, retail, and transportation. Culture, Sports and Tourism Secretary Rosanna Law noted that the first four months of 2025 saw 16 million visitors to Hong Kong, a figure she described as “encouraging.”
Cheuk dismissed concerns that the government is moving too slowly on implementing new attractions, pointing out that significant coordination is required to align projects with land use plans, engage stakeholders, and ensure feasibility. He assured the public that seven of the nine planned projects will be rolled out by the end of the year, adding to Hong Kong’s appeal as a global tourist destination.
