Cost-conscious Chinese tourists are changing the landscape of travel in Hong Kong, opting for free walking tours and staying in neighboring Shenzhen to save money. During China’s Labour Day holiday, young visitors like Laura Li and her cousin Diego Deng from Liaoning province chose to explore the city on their own, following guides on social media rather than joining tour groups.
The shift in travel habits is attributed to a slow economic recovery in mainland China, according to Daniel Leung from Hong Kong Polytechnic University. The once cash-rich mainland tourists who frequented luxury stores in Hong Kong have been replaced by budget-conscious travelers, while Hong Kong residents are heading to the mainland for cheaper shopping and entertainment options.
Restaurants in Hong Kong saw a 10% decrease in business during the holiday period, reflecting the impact of the changing tourist demographics. Li and Deng opted to stay in Shenzhen for better value and amenities, only traveling to Hong Kong during the day to explore the sights.
Their cost-saving strategies include bringing water from Shenzhen, where it is cheaper, into Hong Kong. Li noted that water priced at one dollar in the mainland sells for ten dollars in Hong Kong.
The rise of budget-conscious Chinese tourists is challenging Hong Kong’s tourism industry, which is still recovering from the effects of the pandemic. As travelers prioritize value and savings, businesses in the financial hub will need to adapt to cater to this new demographic.