The figure was 23.5 per cent higher than the same period last year, but only 66.8 per cent of 2019 figures, when 1.33 million trips were recorded.
Industry leaders said the numbers showed better-targeted policies were needed and that fresh ideas had to be included in the tourism blueprint designed to reboot the industry, which will be unveiled later this year.
“[They] can come and spend to contribute to our retail and dining industries,” Chan said.
“At the same time, it provides them with an opportunity to witness the actual situation in Hong Kong as there are occasional misleading reports in the media.
“We need to bolster their confidence.”
The figures also showed that 85 per cent of tourists were from the mainland.
Kevin Yeung Yun-hung, the tourism minister, earlier said he expected the mainland tourist footfall for the…