Chief Executive John Lee told reporters before attending the meeting of the Executive Council (ExCo) that a total of 16 million people visited Hong Kong in 4M25, up 10% YoY. Of which, 12 million were visitors from mainland China, up 8% YoY, while non-mainland-China visitors increased by 17% YoY.

With further recovery in air transport capacity, the number of long-haul visitors to Hong Kong also rose, with visitors from Australia increasing by 30% YoY, and visitors from the US and Canada hiking by 10%.

Lee noted that a Chief Executive's Interactive Exchange Question and Answer Session will be held next Thursday (29th) to discuss two issues. He hoped to engage in-depth discussions with legislative councilors on the direction and path for Hong Kong to further deepen its international exchanges and co-operation, so as to open up new opportunities for Hong Kong, as well as to explore ways to expedite the development of Northern Metropolis.