Hong Kong's full year tourist number can reach 53 million

Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism Rosanna Law expresses confidence that Hong Kong's full year visitor number can reach 53.8 million, hitting the government's target. This comes after more than 31 million tourists visited the city in the first seven months of the year.

Speaking on a radio programme, Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism Rosanna Law says she worried about the visitor figure for July because of the rainy weather. But with the first-seven-month tourist figure standing at about 31 million, which was more than anticipated, the secretary says that has boosted her confidence in Hong Kong's tourism for the rest of the year. Law also notes that the fourth quarter is often a peak season for the tourism sector.

Separately, she hopes to expand the ticket stub economy in Hong Kong, after some retailers in Kai Tak and Kowloon City adopted the model by allowing consumers to enjoy discounts with ticket stubs earlier this month. Describing the spending model as "entertaining," Law states it also helps the profit growth of the retail sector.

On the forthcoming Asian Games, Law says the city will be sending more than 500 athletes to the event, and in the past, the sports development fund would cover about 90% of the costs.