Has Hong Kong lost its way in the tourism business and is there a route back despite stiff competition from neighbouring cities?
- More Hongkongers are heading to neighbouring Shenzhen for leisure, with some putting aside politics to embrace cheaper prices, better service and more options
- But mainland visitors are not returning to Hong Kong as much as expected, with cities across the border adding to the competition for tourists
Hong Kong resident Benny Sze makes a beeline to mainland China twice a month for leisure because transport, drinks, meals and hotels all cost far less than at home.
The 36-year-old graphic designer cannot resist splashing out in neighbouring Shenzhen despite having negative perceptions of the mainland after Beijing imposed the national security law on Hong Kong following anti-government protests in 2019.
“Feeling negatively towards the mainland is one thing, but the fact is Shenzhen offers a greater variety of choices at cheaper prices with better service quality than in Hong Kong,” he said. “As a consumer, it’s wise not to oppose the benefits that come with spending money there.
“When a luxury nightclub in Shenzhen sells liquor at less than half the price compared with Hong Kong, the choice is obvious.”
A growing cost-conscious crowd, which includes Sze, has even put aside political differences in favour of spending for leisure across the border following Hong Kong’s full resumption of restriction-free travel with the mainland early last year after the pandemic.
But mainland visitors are not returning to the city as readily, with tourism authorities conceding that “revenge travel” has not materialised as much as expected. They have also noticed mainland travellers’ tastes have changed, from splurging on luxury goods to chasing authentic local experiences.
