Protests hinder Hong Kong tourism

October 1st usually marks a time for celebration in Hong Kong as the region joins the rest of China in enjoying the Chinese National Day holiday.

However, this year, it is understood that tourism is set to be hindered significantly by the pro-democracy demonstrations that are currently gripping the city.

Chairman of the Hong Kong Inbound Tour Operators Association, Ricky Tse Kam-ting, told the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) that the expected figures for tourists visiting Hong Kong during this period could be much lower than usual, with as much as half the usual influx of visitors from mainland China forecast.

Usually, the autonomous region expects at least 350 tours, each with 35 tourists a piece, to make the trip to Hong Kong but the protests look set to put many off this year.

The demonstrations, the largest of which is actually expected to take place on China’s National Day, have brought the bustling metropolis almost to a standstill, making tourist excursions to the city centre very difficult.

And it seems as if the crowds show no sign of abating soon, with many prepared to keep protesting about the Chinese government’s decision to limit voters’ choices in the 2017 leadership election.

Even a deluge of rain, accompanied by thunder and lighting, was not enough to deter the dedicated protesters as the group continued to call for the resignation of Hong Kong's chief executive Leung Chun-Ying.

In the short term, it is likely that the demonstrations will have a significant impact on the tourist industry, causing many figures in the sector to speak out.

Jason Wong, general manager of Hong Thai Travel Services and vice chairman of the Travel Industry Council of Hong Kong, told the WSJ: "We cannot see the end of this protest, which will certainly be affecting the local travel industry and the impact is going to be bigger and bigger.

"Even though it has been carried out peacefully, it's going to spill out to many districts in Hong Kong."

Published 22nd January 2016