On the last day of the May Day holiday in mainland China, the Director of the Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism, Yang Runxiong, estimated in a radio program that there would be approximately 800,000 mainland Chinese tourists visiting Hong Kong during the entire holiday, bringing in over 2 billion Hong Kong dollars in additional revenue. Responding to criticisms from some visitors regarding the discrepancy in the fireworks display, Yang explained that there is a distinction between fireworks and firecrackers, and the authorities will manage expectations in their promotion.
During the radio show “Political and Good Sunday,” Yang stated that in the first four days of the May Day holiday, Hong Kong received over 670,000 mainland Chinese tourists, and overall entry conditions went smoothly. Due to unstable weather in Guangdong Province recently leading to increased rainfall in Hong Kong, some visitors had postponed their trips. However, as the weather gradually stabilized, Yang believes that the total number of mainland Chinese tourists visiting Hong Kong during the May Day period will come close to the originally anticipated 800,000, contributing over 2 billion Hong Kong dollars in additional revenue.
Yang continued to mention that as of yesterday morning, there were approximately 560 tour groups visiting Hong Kong, with restaurants and shops on both sides of Victoria Harbour reporting an increase in business by 20-30% due to the fireworks display. However, some businesses expressed that their performance did not meet expectations. Yang pointed out that in recent years, tourists tend to engage in “deep travel,” experiencing Hong Kong’s unique culture, leading to visitors dispersing to different areas, which may not necessarily result in a noticeable boost in business for merchants.
The Tourism Board recently held the first fireworks display by the sea in Tsim Sha Tsui. Some visitors and residents criticized that it did not meet their expectations. In response, Yang stated that the overall evaluation and economic impact were positive. The viewing effects varied at different positions depending on the wind direction, with upwind positions potentially having more smoke. For example, Yang mentioned that there was “a lot of smoke” where he was situated, but photos sent to him by others showed a clear view.
Yang believes that the public can understand the difference between fireworks and firecrackers. The authorities will learn from the experience and improve expectation management in future promotions. Although the target audience for the fireworks and drone performances are tourists, the authorities also hope to collaborate with various festivals and events in Hong Kong to benefit local residents as well, creating a joyous social atmosphere.
Regarding tourist reception, Yang described Hong Kong’s services as having reached a certain level. The authorities will remind all industries to pay more attention to hospitality. In addition to enhancing promotion, more resources will be allocated to develop deep travel to meet the needs of tourists. For instance, promoting art installations and scenery from taking a boat from Sai Kung to tour the outlying islands.