Hong Kong tourism authorities and tourism-related sectors have been busy preparing for the influx of an estimated 280,000 tourists from the mainland during the National Day holiday from October 1 to 7.

Tourism Commissioner Eva Cheng said late last week: "We expect Hong Kong to be a popular destination for the mainland tourists, both for tour groups and individual travelers during the National Day 'Golden Week'."

An estimated HK$1.4 billion (US$175 million) of revenue is expected to be generated during the annual break, which is more often known as one of the nation's tourism "Golden Weeks."

"We have therefore set up an inter-departmental working group to coordinate and draw up measures to enhance the flow of visitors through boundary control points, increase the capacity of transportation facilities, and step up promotion and information dissemination to visitors on consumer protection and health issues," Cheng said.

Hong Kong's Immigration Department plans to increase staff numbers across its four border check points by about 350. At the Lok Ma Chau check point alone, an additional 15 channels will be opened to cater for the influx of visitors.

(China Daily September 22, 2003)