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The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government is gearing up for the Labour Day Golden Week of the Mainland, a period that typically sees a significant influx of visitors. To ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for both residents and visitors, an interdepartmental working group chaired by the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, has convened to make comprehensive preparations. This meeting, attended by key officials and representatives from various government departments, underscores the government’s commitment to managing the anticipated surge in passenger traffic and ensuring the safety and convenience of all.
During the Labour Day Golden Week, which spans from May 1 to May 5, the Immigration Department (ImmD) estimates that approximately 5.71 million passengers, including Hong Kong residents and visitors, will pass through the city’s sea, land, and air control points. Of these, about 4.90 million are expected to use land control points. The peak period for outbound passengers is anticipated on May 3, with around 590,000 passengers, while the peak for inbound passengers is expected on May 5, with around 580,000 passengers. These figures highlight the need for meticulous planning and coordination to manage the crowds effectively.
To facilitate smooth travel, the government has implemented several measures. Passengers are advised to plan their journeys in advance and avoid peak hours. Real-time traffic conditions at various control points can be monitored through radio and TV broadcasts, and the busy times at border control points (BCPs) are available on the ImmD website at www.immd.gov.hk. Additionally, the Immigration mobile app provides estimated waiting times at each land BCP, allowing travelers to plan their trips more efficiently and minimize queuing time.
In terms of visitor arrivals, the ImmD estimates that around 840,000 Mainland visitors will enter Hong Kong via various control points during the five-day period. This represents a 10% increase in daily average visitor arrivals compared to last year’s Labour Day Golden Week and a 13% increase compared to this year’s Chinese New Year Golden Week. Major tourist spots have formulated special arrangements to handle the expected increase in foot traffic, ensuring that visitors can enjoy a pleasant and well-managed experience.
The Travel Industry Authority (TIA) has also played a crucial role in preparing for the influx of visitors. Travel agents receiving Mainland inbound tour groups have been reminded to adopt appropriate diversion measures to manage visitor flows and tour buses effectively. This includes coordinating with major tourist spots to ensure that the influx of visitors does not overwhelm these locations. District Offices will closely monitor visitor flows within their respective districts and notify relevant departments as needed to strengthen management of popular spots.
To ensure the smooth operation of BCPs, the Inter-departmental Joint Command Centre, comprising the Police, the ImmD, the Customs and Excise Department (C&ED), and other relevant departments, will be activated from May 1 to May 5. This command center will monitor real-time situations at various control points and maintain close liaison with Mainland port authorities through established port hotlines and real-time notification mechanisms. Timely contingency actions will be taken as necessary to flexibly deploy manpower and ensure the smooth operation of land control points.
Transport arrangements have also been enhanced to meet the increased demand. The Transport Department (TD) has coordinated with relevant operators to increase the frequency of transportation services connecting various BCPs. For instance, the frequency of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (HZMB) shuttle bus (Gold Bus) will be increased to less than one minute during peak hours, and the Lok Ma Chau-Huanggang cross-boundary shuttle bus (Yellow Bus) will operate at a frequency of about two minutes at its highest. The quota of cross-boundary coaches has also been increased to strengthen services. Additionally, dedicated passages for public transport vehicles will be provided at the Lok Ma Chau/Huanggang Port and the Shenzhen Bay Port when necessary to ensure smooth public transport services.
Local public transport services have been bolstered to meet the travel needs of visitors. The MTR Corporation Limited will enhance train services on the East Rail Line between Admiralty and Lo Wu/Lok Ma Chau at different times from May 1 to May 5. During these periods, the train frequency to and from Lok Ma Chau will increase to approximately every 7.5 to 10 minutes, while services to Lo Wu will be enhanced to approximately every five minutes. The Emergency Transport Co-ordination Centre of the TD will continue to operate 24 hours a day to monitor traffic conditions and public transport services, taking prompt measures to address service demands and disseminate the latest traffic updates through various channels.
The TIA will conduct inspections in districts with a higher concentration of registered shops for inbound tour groups to protect visitors’ rights. The Police will also step up enforcement actions against illegal acts by taxi drivers, such as overcharging and refusing hires. The C&ED will intensify inspections of shops serving visitors to combat unfair trade practices, ensuring that all visitors have a safe and enjoyable experience.
Weather conditions are expected to be hot with sunny periods from May 1 to May 4, although there may be isolated showers. The weather may become more unstable towards the latter part of the Labour Day Golden Week, with more showers. The chances of being affected by tropical cyclones are relatively low, but the Hong Kong Observatory will update the forecast as needed to keep residents and visitors informed.
To assist visitors in planning their itineraries, the government will strengthen information dissemination. The Hong Kong Tourism Board has launched a dedicated webpage at www.discoverhongkong.com/eng/plan/traveller-info/goldenweek-special-info.html to provide useful information during the Labour Day Golden Week. This webpage includes details about the opening hours of major sightseeing attractions, public transportation, boundary-crossing services, and other events, such as the drone show at the Wan Chai Temporary Promenade, enabling residents and visitors to plan their itineraries more conveniently.
In summary, the HKSAR Government is taking a comprehensive and coordinated approach to ensure a smooth and enjoyable Labour Day Golden Week for all. By implementing these measures, the government aims to provide a high-quality experience for visitors and residents alike, making the most of this vibrant and highly patronized period.
