Where mainland Chinese tourists are heading during Labour Day 'golden week' holiday
Hong Kong expects about 980,000 mainland Chinese visitors during the Labour Day 'golden week' from May 1-5, a 7% increase year-over-year. But tourists are shunning major attractions in favor of slower tourism, seeking out lesser-known hidden gems.
Mainland Chinese tourist behavior is shifting. Traditionally, Labour Day 'golden weeks' packed Hong Kong's iconic attractions (Star Ferry, Victoria Peak, etc.). This year, visitors seek slower, more local tourism experiences. Lesser-known areas like Mau Ping and Ap Lei Chau have gained popularity.
The shift reflects fallout from Iran war-driven flight cancellations and high fuel prices. Many tourists prefer staying near Hong Kong rather than traveling internationally. This signals a positive boost to Hong Kong's economy and tourism sector. Longer stays mean higher spending at local businesses.
Hong Kong's tourism recovered post-Covid in recent years. International uncertainty and energy crisis are now reshaping travel habits, creating new opportunities. Visits to lesser-known, more local spots can integrate more facets of Hong Kong into the tourism economy.
More from China
China-EU investment deal should stay in 'deep freezer', outgoing trade chief warns
The EU's outgoing top trade official Sabine Weyand advised shelving the planned investment deal with China, citing China's structural 'macroeconomic' issues. She signaled new tools are needed to address Chinese practices.
Explosion at China fireworks factory kills 26 people
An explosion at a fireworks factory in Hunan province, China, killed 26 people and injured 61, according to state media reports.
China scraps tariffs for all but one African nation
China announced it has scrapped tariffs for almost all African nations. This move boosts China's soft power in African states, but may also deepen economic inequalities.