Since its launch last month, the southbound cross-boundary travel program has garnered strong interest from motorists in Guangdong province, with over 2,500 mainland drivers applying for a permit to drive into Hong Kong’s urban areas, and more than 1,000 vehicle owners already booking their trips.

Anticipating a potential influx of self-driving visitors during the upcoming Chinese New Year holiday, the tourism sector has prepared tailored packages and discounts to enhance the visitors’ experience, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government said on Friday.

Mable Chan, secretary for transport and logistics, officiated at a spring celebration for the Southbound Travel for Guangdong Vehicles program on Friday. She said that the program has seen an ideal reservation situation for the upcoming Chinese New Year holiday.

The southbound travel program allows Guangdong motorists, after receiving approvals from the authorities and booking travel, to drive into Hong Kong via the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge.

In the program’s initial stage, drivers could only park their cars at an automated parking lot near Hong Kong International Airport.

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The second phase, which began accepting applications on Dec 9, grants permission for Guangdong cars to drive on urban roads, with a daily entry cap of 100 vehicles. Each Guangdong vehicle can stay in Hong Kong for three days.

Chan said that so far, the program has struck a good balance between the overall control of vehicle numbers, traffic distribution, road safety, and the diverse tourism experience.

It has brought an enjoyable, convenient self-driving experience to Guangdong travelers, and the tourism sector has launched exclusive promotional packages covering parking, accommodation and shopping to attract tourists, Chan said.

Caspar Tsui Ying-wai, executive director of the Federation of Hong Kong Hotel Owners, told reporters that the hotel industry has been introducing new promotional offers related to the program since its inception, which shows that the industry recognizes the program’s business opportunities and potential.

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As the self-driving experience offers tourists with diversified itineraries, the Hong Kong SAR and mainland governments can enhance promotion of travel guides and tips to attract tourists to visit the city multiple times, Tsui said.

Tsui also said that hotel occupancy rates will hit 90 percent during the Chinese New Year period.

Representatives of various sectors shared the preparatory work for welcoming southbound Guangdong drivers during the coming festival, including free parking hours and dining coupons.

Steven Yiu Siu-chung, executive director overseeing airport operations at Airport Authority Hong Kong, said that the automated car park will provide 1,500 parking spaces for the Chinese New Year holiday.

Contact the writer at atlasshao@chinadailyhk.com