Separate data compiled by the South China Morning Post, using real-time Immigration Department feeds, show that Hong Kong had already welcomed 1.3 million mainland travellers in the first six days of the golden week—11.6 percent more than the same period in 2025 and above the government’s full-week projection. Large shopping complexes such as K11 Musea and Harbour City reported footfall increases of up to 25 percent, driven by promotions that allowed UnionPay QR payments in all stores, mitigating currency-exchange friction. Hotel chains noted that group bookings for incentive travel from Shenzhen and Guangzhou firms were especially strong. The data confirm a shift from pandemic-era day-tripping to longer stays: the average length of stay for mainland guests reached 2.3 nights, up from 1.8 nights last year, according to the Hong Kong Hotels Association. For mobility managers arranging regional meetings, this suggests greater difficulty securing short-notice hotel blocks during mainland public holidays and a need to lock in inventory earlier. Retail analysts caution that spending per head is still 12 percent below 2019 levels, highlighting the importance of value-for-money offers and seamless payment options.
Source: South China Morning Post
