More Hongkongers are travelling over the Christmas holiday period compared with last year, with traditional destinations in Japan remaining popular despite geopolitical tensions, and mainland Chinese cities such as Harbin and Yunnan gaining appeal.
Some industry insiders said Japan remained popular among Hong Kong travellers despite recent news of earthquakes and a geopolitical row between Beijing and Tokyo, which earlier saw mainland visitors cancelling their trips in droves.
Relations between Japan and China cooled significantly following remarks in early November by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, who said an attack on Taiwan by the People’s Liberation Army could constitute a “survival-threatening situation” and allow Tokyo to engage in military action.
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In response, Beijing issued official travel advisories urging citizens to avoid going to Japan due to security concerns, with Chinese airlines cancelling over 40 per cent of flights between the two countries in December.
Takaichi sought to ease tensions earlier this month by saying Tokyo’s position remained “unchanged” from a 1972 joint communique with China.
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Outbound travel started on Christmas Eve on Wednesday, when the number of Hong Kong residents departing the airport jumped 22 per cent to 65,133 from the same day a year ago, according to the Immigration Department.