In a Chinese-language briefing, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government stated that the influx of tourists during National Day Golden Week drove “robust revenue growth” across retail, catering and transport sectors. According to preliminary tax-receipts data, restaurants in Tsim Sha Tsui and Causeway Bay generated turnover 15 per cent higher than last October, while MTR Corporation recorded its busiest week since 2019. Small businesses also felt the benefit. The Federation of Hong Kong Hotel Owners reported that average room rates for three-star properties rose to HK$1,100 a night, up from HK$820 last year. Travel agencies specialising in meetings and incentive groups noted stronger demand from mainland pharmaceutical and auto-parts companies taking advantage of relaxed event-visa rules introduced in July. The Tourism Board launched targeted promotions, including a “Buy-3-Get-1-Free” airport-express ticket bundle and 100,000 complimentary Octopus cards for first-time visitors. Officials said such sweeteners were designed to channel spending beyond traditional shopping districts to outlying islands and the West Kowloon cultural precinct. For global mobility stakeholders, the message is clear: capacity constraints are re-emerging in accommodation and intra-city transport during high-season periods. Companies are encouraged to make group-visa applications at least four weeks in advance and secure hotel allotments early to avoid cost escalation.
