Xinhua News Agency, Hong Kong, January 27 (Reporter Xie Niu) During the Spring Festival this year, Hong Kong's tourism market has picked up significantly.
According to statistics from the Immigration Department of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government, more than 540,000 people entered Hong Kong from January 21 to 26, and many scenic spots in Hong Kong ushered in a "good start" for the New Year.
On the first day of the Lunar New Year, the entrance to the Peak Tram, a tourist landmark in Hong Kong, was very lively. The staff held up signs to remind passengers to arrange their time reasonably.
Mr. Wu, a staff member, said that with the resumption of normal personnel exchanges between Hong Kong and the Mainland, the passenger flow of the Peak Tram has gradually increased.
"During this period, there are many more tourists than before, and it has been very busy since the door opened."
Mr. Li's family of four from Jilin came to Hong Kong to celebrate the Spring Festival.
"I haven't been to Hong Kong for three years, and I miss it very much. Every time I came to Hong Kong, I would go to Victoria Peak to see the scenery of Hong Kong. When I heard that the Peak Tram was upgraded, I took the Peak Tram as the first thing we did when we came to Hong Kong." Mr. Li said.
Mainland tourists flock here, and overseas tourists also favor Hong Kong.
According to data from travel platforms, orders for Hong Kong products from overseas tourists have grown steadily, with South Korea, Thailand and Singapore seeing the most significant increases.
In the early morning of January 18, the "Silver Spirit" of the international cruise company Silversea Cruises, carrying 320 tourists from more than 20 countries, sailed into Victoria Harbor and moored at the Tsim Sha Tsui Ocean Terminal.
This became the first international cruise ship to arrive in Hong Kong after the Hong Kong SAR government relaxed the anti-epidemic measures for entry, marking the reopening of cruise tourism in Hong Kong.
The cruise ship has not landed yet, and many passengers can't wait to stand on the upper deck and wave to the shore.
British tourist Janice said that she is very happy to come to Hong Kong again and will take the time to enjoy food and shopping.
Yang Runxiong, Director of the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government, said that Hong Kong's continuously enriched and improved diversified tourism resources will surely bring refreshing experiences and good memories to friends from all over the world.
Xu Wangmeilun, chairman of the Hong Kong Tourism Industry Council, also expressed confidence in the prospects of Hong Kong's tourism industry.
The tourism industry is gearing up to make full preparations for the full recovery of the market.
Peng Yaojia, chairman of the Hong Kong Tourism Board, said that the Board has successfully sought at least 16 cruise lines to return to Hong Kong this year, offering at least 82 voyages.
Hong Kong Disneyland and Ocean Park will conduct large-scale recruitment activities to meet operational needs.
Mok Wai Ting, CEO of Hong Kong Disneyland, said that the park is actively contacting travel agencies in Southeast Asia and the mainland, and is looking forward to the arrival of a large number of tourists.
Looking forward to the future, Yang Yunxiong said that the HKTB is cooperating with Hong Kong's catering, retail, aviation and other sectors, and plans to present a series of courtesy and discounts to tourists.
At the same time, the SAR government will have a number of heavyweight activities to promote tourism, including sending 500,000 free air tickets to Hong Kong, special welcome drinks, shopping coupons, etc. to tourists.
"I came to Hong Kong again after three years, and I still feel very friendly. Many familiar scenic spots have taken on a new look. I look forward to visiting here again in the next holiday." Ms. Xu, a tourist from Hangzhou, said.