“The daily average of mainland tourists visiting Hong Kong over the May golden week period used to exceed the 200,000 mark.”
Wong said that the spending power of solo travellers also went down by 20 per cent compared to pre-pandemic times.
“I urge the secretary [for culture, sports and tourism] to discuss with the central government as soon as possible on allowing more cities to join the solo travellers’ scheme, he added.
“It’d be better for the F&B and retail sectors if more people are visiting.”
Wong explained sales in bars and restaurants were down 20 per cent on last year because of fewer mainland visitors and their lower spending power, coupled with 180,000 Hongkongers who headed across the border on May 1.
But he said that the outlets on both sides of Victoria Harbour benefited from the fireworks display on May 1, which was credited for a 15 per cent increase in business compared with normal days.