Hong Kong authorities are stepping up public transport services to cope with an expected visitor surge between the city and the Chinese mainland during Christmas and New Year.

Experts said stronger people-to-people exchanges can help Hong Kong offset consumption woes, while promoting residents’ understanding about fast-evolving mainland cities.

The Immigration Department forecast that over 13 million visitors will enter or exit Hong Kong from the weekend before Christmas through New Year’s Day, with 11.06 million using land checkpoints that connect the city with Shenzhen and Zhuhai.

In parallel, some 600,000 people are expected to travel from Hong Kong to the mainland on Wednesday, marking a peak in departures that began to rise over the weekend, fueled by the extended holiday and affordability issues.

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The two-day Christmas holiday, combined with the weekend and the option to take three additional days off, allows Hong Kong travelers to enjoy up to nine consecutive days’ vacation. Those who can take two more days off before New Year’s Day can extend the break to a total of 11 consecutive days, making it an ideal opportunity for trips to distant destinations.

“It is a great chance to promote mutual engagement, understanding, and connection,” said Yang Jinsong, director of the International Institute of the China Tourism Academy in Beijing.

The longer holidays and improved transportation options such as high-speed railway links have made it easier for Hong Kong residents to explore smaller counties in the mainland and pursue less mainstream travel plans yet to be offered by commercial agencies. This trend fosters a deeper understanding of the nation beyond just its first-tier cities, he noted.

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In preparation for the inbound visitor boom, Hong Kong has extended business hours at land checkpoints for the overnight New Year’s Day celebrations in collaboration with authorities in Shenzhen, which has benefited from the multi-entry permit to Hong Kong – a policy recently introduced by the central government.

Starting Tuesday afternoon, Christmas Eve, Hong Kong implemented enhanced traffic and security measures. Roads in popular nightlife areas such as Lan Kwai Fong and Tsim Sha Tsui will be closed to vehicles in phases, leading to the temporary suspension of certain bus stops and the rerouting of affected buses and green minibuses.

The MTR has increased train services on most lines beginning at 3 pm on Tuesday, with overnight services available on most local routes, including some Light Rail lines.

Additionally, three special Kowloon Motor Bus routes will start running in the early hours of Wednesday – Christmas Day – to accommodate late-night travelers. Many bus routes and the tram service will extend their hours on Tuesday, while the Central to Mid-Levels Escalator and Walkway System will remain open until 1 am.

Zhang Yuan, a 36-year-old employee at the Hong Kong branch of a trading company headquartered in Tianjin, said he plans to stay in the city due to work commitments. “I plan to take a bus to random stops and explore the streets during the Christmas holiday,” he said.

For those who remain in the city, Hong Kong offers plenty to enjoy this festive season.

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Organizers have transformed a waterfront section of Victoria Harbor into a festive wonderland known as Christmas Town in the West Kowloon Cultural District, complete with a giant Christmas tree adorned with dazzling decorations. The event runs until Jan 1.

During this period, a Christmas market in the neighborhood will feature dozens of booths showcasing global festive foods.

The festivities will culminate with the Hong Kong New Year’s Eve Countdown, featuring a spectacular 12-minute display of fireworks and music that can be enjoyed from many waterfront areas beside Victoria Harbour.

Timothy Chui Ting-pong, executive director of the Hong Kong Tourism Board, dismissed concerns about the mass exodus of locals negatively impacting spending. “Mainland tourists have historically been the primary drivers of consumption during the peak winter holiday season,” he said.

During his visit to Tsim Sha Tsui, Chui observed a bustling atmosphere, with tea restaurants packed even in the late afternoon, indicating strong visitor demand. “Although Christmas is not a public holiday in the mainland, residents still utilize weekends to visit,” he added.

Simon Wong Ka-wo, president of the Hong Kong Federation of Restaurants and Related Trades, attributes the return of visitors to the reinstated multiple-entry permit to Hong Kong for Shenzhen residents, along with various government and tourism board initiatives. He estimated that dining industry revenues could reach HK$400 million ($51.5 million) on Christmas Eve, a 10 percent increase from last year.

Contact the writer at lilei@chinadailyhk.com