6th May 2025 – (Hong Kong) The Labour Day Golden Week concludes with a record-breaking influx of 1.1 million visitors to Hong Kong, marking a 22% annual increase. Various regions in Hong Kong faced congestion, with the MTR Lok Ma Chau Station experiencing a temporary collapse of its mobile network. Chief Executive John Lee describes the economic prosperity during this period but urges the Culture, Sports, and Tourism Bureau to review experiences, enhance telecommunications network capacity, provide online queue information, and adapt to changing travel preferences highlighted by Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs).
During the Labour Day Golden Week, regions like Tsim Sha Tsui and Mong Kok faced overcrowding, with individuals flocking to community attractions like Tai Wai for photo opportunities. The MTR’s Lok Ma Chau station witnessed a mobile network breakdown on Friday, preventing many Mainland tourists from purchasing tickets via Alipay and WeChat.
Chief Executive John Lee, speaking to reporters before the Executive Council meeting today, highlighted the need to capitalise on technological applications to bolster telecommunications networks at crowded spots. He emphasised the importance of utilising technology to monitor crowd flow, provide online updates on crowd and queue situations, offer mobile or online reservation times, and enhance emergency preparedness.
Acknowledging the evolving travel patterns and preferences of visitors, John Lee stressed the importance of data collection and analysis to develop tailored tourist services. This approach aims to cater to the diverse preferences of tourists, such as eco-tourism, cultural excursions, photo-centric tours, and culinary exploration. Understanding the changing recommendations of Key Opinion Leaders and Mainland media regarding attractions and routes is crucial for adapting to these shifts.
Summarising the Labour Day Golden Week experience, John Lee mentioned proactive measures taken to ensure safety and orderliness. Special transportation arrangements at the High Island Reservoir East Dam in Sai Kung maintained order and smooth traffic flow. Data reveals a total of 1.1 million visitors during the Golden Week, with a 20% increase in Mainland visitors and a 30% rise in non-Mainland visitors. The day with the highest Mainland tourist influx was 2nd May, with approximately 267,000 visitors, marking a 40% year-on-year growth.
Emphasising an inclusive approach to all visitor categories, John Lee highlighted the importance of welcoming tourists of various profiles. He underlined the significance of creating an environment where all visitors feel welcomed, ensuring that Hong Kong remains a hospitable destination for everyone. Lee encouraged the tourism sector to adapt to tourists’ evolving preferences and design innovative travel itineraries. During the May 1st holiday, Mainland tourists have been staying overnight at McDonald’s in Hong Kong, rather than opting for hotel accommodations. Approximately 50 individuals were observed “camping out” at a McDonald’s branch in Tsim Sha Tsui. When asked about the impact of Mainland tourists staying overnight at fast-food restaurants or camping, John Lee emphasised that Mainland tourists are adopting various new travel patterns, which are likely to become more common in the future. He stressed the importance of Hong Kong, as a hospitable city, making tourists feel welcome and effectively managing the new preferences and behaviours of Mainland visitors.
Drawing from personal travel experiences, John Lee illustrated that travel can be straightforward or present shopping opportunities. He advocated for a holistic consideration of tourists’ needs to enhance the overall travel experience.
