Hong Kong Tourism Board: It is expected that there will be 1.5 million mainland tourists visiting Hong Kong during the Golden Week holiday.

The Golden Week of National Day is approaching. The Hong Kong Tourism Board estimates that the number of holiday travelers will increase by about 10% compared to last year, with an expected 1.5 million mainland visitors to Hong Kong and about 45,000 travelers visiting with tour groups. It is believed that the National Day holiday is the peak period for Hong Kong residents to travel overseas. Josephine Yuen, the Executive Director of the Hong Kong Tourism Board, said that as this year's Golden Week holiday has eight days, there is expected to be an increase in the number of travelers. Hong Kong residents traveling overseas will also see a small peak as October 1st and October 7th are public holidays in Hong Kong. Furthermore, Yuen mentioned that the Tai Hang Fire Dragon Dance during the Mid-Autumn Festival is an intangible cultural heritage project that tourists, including those from the mainland, are eager to see and experience. This attraction is not only popular in the few days leading up to the Golden Week, but is expected to continue to attract visitors throughout. Kenneth Fok, the Executive Director of the Hong Kong Hotel Owners Association, also emphasized that there is a lot of potential for growth in the number of travelers. Hotels in tourist areas in Hong Kong Island or Kowloon have a high chance of reaching a 90% occupancy rate as in the past. He urged visitors to book their accommodations early and to stay for a few more nights.