Hong Kong sees strong rebound in tourist numbers

For the first three months of the year, traveller numbers to the harbour city of Hong Kong jumped by 16.5%, following a strong rebound from international and long-haul markets, as well as continued strength from Mainland China.

8.6 million visitors travelled to Hong Kong in the three months of January to March, a 16.5% increase on the year before, signalling a strong start to the year.? A new visitor record was set for March, which saw 2.8 million visitors in the month alone.

"The continued increase in visitor arrivals in March has culminated in a record high for the first quarter of 2010, with most market regions showing double-digit growth," said James Tien, Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) Chairman."Riding on the growth momentum in the first quarter, we will intensify our promotions during the peak summer travel season."

The tourism body noted that Mainland China and Taiwan have this year even surpassed the results of 2008, with their double digit growth figures in the first quarter. North Asia made the strongest bounce-back when looking at international markets, with an 18.3% lift in the first quarter.? In particular, arrivals from South Korea lifted by 43.6%.

Sourced=E-Travel