According to data released by the Hong Kong Tourism Development Council, the number of visitors to Hong Kong exceeded 10 million in the first five months of 2023, equivalent to 40% of the same period before the pandemic (2017-2019). The Hong Kong Tourism Development Board stated that the prospects for the recovery of the tourism industry in the second half of the year are optimistic. Data shows that in May 2023, the number of tourists from mainland China and Southeast Asia has returned to over 60% before the epidemic. About half of the passengers arriving in Hong Kong are overnight travelers, with an average stay of 3.6 nights, similar to before the epidemic. The number of tourists visiting Hong Kong for leisure and business purposes has also increased, with leisure travelers accounting for approximately 47% of the total number of passengers. In terms of transportation options, the proportion of mainland passengers coming to Hong Kong by high-speed rail has increased to 20%. In addition to traditional dining and shopping, there have also been new changes in tourism models, with the gradual rise of "cultural tourism" and "green tourism". The Hong Kong Tourism Development Council will launch seven flagship activities in the second half of the year to attract tourists from all over the country, including the "Hong Kong International Dragon Boat invitational tournament", which will be held again after four years. In addition, the Hong Kong Tourism Authority will hold 10 "Le Ju Wei Hong Kong Carnival" events from July to August, inviting groups from around the world to perform in Hong Kong. (New News Agency)