The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) is ready to welcome more than 1.4 million Chinese tourists from the mainland during the upcoming eight-day Chinese Lunar New Year holiday, HKSAR Chief Executive John Lee said on Tuesday.
The influx of more than 1.4 million tourists from the Chinese mainland during the Chinese Lunar New Year holiday is expected to increase average daily traffic by about 3 and 14 percent compared with last year’s National Day and Lunar New Year holidays, respectively, Lee told reporters ahead of Tuesday’s Executive Council meeting, highlighting a number of festive events planned for the holiday, which will be held from January 28 to February 4 on the Chinese mainland.
There will be an international parade on the evening of January 29, a fireworks display on January 30, a horse race on January 31 and a football match for the Lunar New Year Cup on February 1, Lee said.
The long-awaited debut ceremony for the giant twin pandas born in the city will be held on February 15, when they will be six months old. Lee suggested organising a naming event for the twins to mark the joyous occasion.
Lee instructed all relevant departments to prepare and develop contingency plans. An inter-departmental working group to organise the festival has also been set up under the leadership of Eric Chan, chief secretary of the HKSAR government, to ensure that the event runs smoothly and is an enjoyable experience for residents and visitors alike.
