On December 8, 2024, Hong Kong reported a significant surge in visitors from Mainland China, following the reinstatement of its multiple-entry visa scheme for Shenzhen. Secretary for Culture, Sports, and Tourism, Rosanna Law Shuk-pui, announced that on December 7, the city welcomed 145,000 mainland visitors, representing a 28.5% increase from the previous month's daily average.

Law attributed this rise to the renewed visa arrangements, which are expected to bolster the tourism sector. As the Christmas season approaches, the tourism industry is optimistic about the influx of visitors, most of whom are anticipated to be day-trippers.
During her speech, Law highlighted the positive impact this increase could have on various sectors, including retail, dining, entertainment, and transport. She noted the encouraging feedback from mainland tourists, who have observed a friendlier atmosphere in Hong Kong and improvements in the Mandarin language skills of residents.
In addition to her remarks, Law attended a horse racing event at Sha Tin Racecourse, which attracted over 68,000 attendees, including many tourists. She emphasized Hong Kong’s stature in the international horse racing scene and announced plans to promote high-quality racing events to draw more premium travelers.
The new multiple-entry visa scheme, effective from December 1, has already seen over 800,000 Mainland visitors cross into Hong Kong via Shenzhen in its first week. This marks a 26% year-on-year increase and a 10% rise compared to last month, with more than 30,000 visitors utilizing the new arrangements.
Timothy Chui Ting-pong, executive director of the Hong Kong Tourism Association, remarked that the scheme primarily benefits short-term travelers, enhancing connectivity between Shenzhen and Hong Kong. While he acknowledged that day trips might not significantly boost revenue, he pointed out that overnight visits from Hong Kong residents to Shenzhen also contribute to the local economy. Chui urged the government to encourage longer stays by offering unique island tours to enrich visitors' experiences.
Chui also noted that the festive atmosphere in Hong Kong, amplified by various events, has drawn many mainland visitors eager to experience the city's vibrancy during this season. He attended a Chinese orchestra performance in the West Kowloon Cultural District, where numerous citizens and tourists, including mainland tour groups, gathered to enjoy the outdoor event.
香港因新簽證計劃迎來28.5%內地遊客增長
2024年12月8日,香港報告了來自中國內地的遊客顯著增加,這是由於深圳的多次入境簽證計劃重新實施。文化、體育及旅遊局局長羅珊娜(Rosanna Law Shuk-pui)宣布,12月7日,香港迎來了145,000名內地遊客,較上個月的日均數字增長了28.5%。
羅局長指出,這一增長歸功於重新安排的簽證政策,預計將促進旅遊業的發展。隨著聖誕季節的臨近,旅遊業對遊客的湧入持樂觀態度,預計大部分遊客將是日間來回的旅客。
在她的演講中,羅局長強調,這一增長可能對零售、餐飲、娛樂和交通等多個行業帶來積極影響。她提到內地遊客的正面反饋,他們注意到香港居民的友好氛圍和普通話水平的提高。
除了發表講話,羅局長還出席了在沙田賽馬場舉行的賽馬活動,該活動吸引了超過68,000名觀眾,包括許多遊客。她強調香港在國際賽馬界的地位,並宣布計劃推廣高質素的賽馬活動,以吸引更多優質旅客。
新的多次入境簽證計劃自12月1日起生效,首週內已有超過80萬名內地遊客經由深圳入境香港。這標誌著同比增長26%,與上個月相比增長10%,超過30,000名遊客使用了新的簽證安排。
香港旅遊協會執行董事崔定邦(Timothy Chui Ting-pong)表示,該計劃主要惠及短期旅客,增強了深圳與香港之間的聯繫。雖然他承認日間旅行可能不會顯著提升收入,但他指出,香港居民前往深圳的過夜訪問也為本地經濟作出貢獻。崔呼籲政府推動長期逗留的措施,例如提供獨特的島嶼遊覽,以豐富遊客的體驗。
崔還提到,香港的節日氛圍因各種活動而更加濃厚,吸引了許多內地遊客,渴望在這個充滿活力的季節體驗這座城市。他參加了在西九文化區舉行的中國管弦樂演出,許多市民和遊客,包括內地旅行團,聚集在一起享受這場戶外音樂盛會。
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