Since the launch of the Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement in 2004, the
Hong Kong SAR has seen a huge influx of visitors from the mainland. This all
means a big boom for the region's tourism industry.
Tourists from the mainland crowded the city's Golden Bauhinia Square. With
college-entrance exams just over in the mainland, many high school graduates are
here with friends and family to have a good time. Some other visitors are here
to enjoy the pomp of the 10th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to China. For
this lucky photographer, the crowds mean a prospering business.
In addition to this photographer, restaurants, stores and amusement parks are
also enjoying golden business opportunities. Since the Freetrip Plan was
launched in 2003, mainland tourists have spent more than 40 billion HK dollars
on holiday in the SAR.
In order to offer easier and more comfortable shopping to
mainland visitors, most stores and scenic spots in Hong Kong accept Renminbi.
The service staff are also able to speak Mandarin rather than Cantonese. What's
more, visitors can also use their bank cards as many stores are equipped with
China Unionpay processors.
