Hong Kong steps up Golden Week border preparations
SingTao · 8 SOURCESabout 2 hours ago6 MIN
Summary
Hong Kong has intensified preparations for the mainland National Day Golden Week after the Immigration Department estimated about 1.29 million mainland visitors would arrive through the city’s sea, land and air control points from October 1 to 7. Chief Secretary Eric Chan Kwok-ki (陳國基) chaired an interdepartmental meeting on September 23 to coordinate reception plans covering boundary control points, public transport, information dissemination and crowd management at tourist hotspots. Authorities also expect about 1,180 inbound tour groups during the holiday period, while border departments have reduced frontline leave and set up joint command arrangements for real-time monitoring. On September 24, Director of Immigration Benson Kwok Joon-fung (郭俊峯) inspected the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge, Shenzhen Bay and Heung Yuen Wai control points, as the department also relaxed eligibility for the contactless e-Channel pilot at the bridge checkpoint.
Key Points
- The Immigration Department expects about 1.29 million mainland travellers during October 1 to 7, with daily average arrivals more than 5 per cent above last year’s Golden Week level.
- The Travel Industry Authority and trade representatives estimate 1,180 inbound tour groups, and agencies have been urged to stagger arrivals and coordinate visitor flow measures with attractions.
- Border authorities have cut frontline leave, added inspection counters, temporary counters and extra channels, while a joint command centre will operate from October 1 to 7.
- The Security Bureau will activate its Emergency Monitoring and Support Centre, while transport operators will boost capacity, including stronger MTR East Rail Line services from September 30 to October 7.
- Police, the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department and other agencies will tighten management at Sai Kung’s East Dam, Ham Tin Wan, Sai Wan and Long Ke campsites.
Why It Matters
The holiday surge will affect both inbound tourism and the travel plans of Hong Kong residents using checkpoints, rail links and cross-boundary bus services during the same period. How smoothly the government manages queues, transport connections and popular outdoor sites will shape visitor experience as well as day-to-day convenience for locals over the week-long break.