As Hong Kong approaches the Christmas season, the city recorded nearly 1 million arrivals on December 22 and 23, 2024, marking an increase of 300,000 compared to the same period in 2023. Notably, about 489,000 of these arrivals were Hong Kong residents returning home, which constitutes roughly 50% of the total arrivals. This is a significant rise from 37% in 2023, indicating a shift in travel patterns as more residents return for the holidays [0c57ef7c].
In contrast, mainland Chinese tourist arrivals saw a slight decline, dropping from 240,000 to 233,000 during the same period. This decline comes despite the recent introduction of a multiple-entry visa scheme for Shenzhen residents, which had previously generated optimism about increased tourism from mainland China [07ffd2cd].
During this busy travel period, approximately 1.09 million people left Hong Kong, with 70% of them being residents. By December 24, over 548,000 had departed by 9 PM, while only 327,000 had entered the city, highlighting a net outflow of residents during the holiday season [0c57ef7c].
In response to the influx of visitors and the high volume of traffic, special arrangements were implemented in popular areas such as Lan Kwai Fong and Tsim Sha Tsui to manage the crowds effectively [0c57ef7c].
The recent changes in visa policies and the overall travel landscape reflect a complex interplay between local residents and tourists. While the new visa scheme for Shenzhen residents has the potential to boost tourism, the current data suggests that many residents are prioritizing their return home over attracting new visitors from the mainland [50400802].
As the government continues to explore ways to enhance tourism, including potential polling stations for the upcoming 2025 Legislative Council elections, the focus remains on balancing the needs of residents and the tourism sector [1e60f42f].
Overall, the Christmas travel trends in Hong Kong reveal a nuanced picture of the city's tourism dynamics, with a significant number of residents returning home while tourist numbers from the mainland show signs of stagnation [0c57ef7c].