The Tsim Sha Tsui promenade, where the Avenue of Stars is located, is a popular attraction for tourists taking in views of Hong Kong’s famous Victoria Harbour. (EDMOND TANG / CHINA DAILY)

The crowds were there everywhere.

More than 320,000 tourists from the Chinese mainland flocked to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region on the first two days of the May Day holidays, signifying a rebound in tourism for the city following the full resumption of travel between the SAR and the mainland.

The visitors came in droves, to be greeted by a host of new attractions and activities organized in anticipation of their return. From world-class museums to luxury shopping malls and thrilling theme parks, Hong Kong has gone the extra mile in creating unforgettable experiences for its guests.

The SAR government said it expects more than 4.6 million travelers to pass through the city’s land, air and sea checkpoints during the five-day holiday break on the mainland. The influx of visitors can be partly attributed to two local promotion campaigns — Happy Hong Kong and Hello Hong Kong — which offer a range of entertainment programs to strengthen visitor experience.

Business in the catering, retail and hospitality sectors has been buoyant, with the return of tourists seen as a positive step towards the further recovery of Hong Kong’s economy.

With more attractions and events planned in the coming months, the city is poised to reclaim its status as one of Asia’s top tourist destinations.

China Daily's Edmond Tang took the photos.

Customers form a long queue outside a luxury goods store in Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, on May 1. (EDMOND TANG / CHINA DAILY)

A pharmacy store in Tsim Sha Tsui is packed with customers on April 30. (EDMOND TANG / CHINA DAILY)

Tourists take snapshots at Hong Kong Palace Museum. The museum has been a new attraction since it opened in July last year. (EDMOND TANG / CHINA DAILY)

Tourists throng Victoria Peak, which offers a panoramic view of Hong Kong Island, on May 1. (EDMOND TANG / CHINA DAILY)

Visitors collect Hong Kong Goodies visitor consumption vouchers distributed by the Hong Kong Tourism Board at Hong Kong West Kowloon Station on May 1. (EDMOND TANG / CHINA DAILY)

Racegoers and visitors pack Sha Tin Racecourse on FWD Champions Day on April 30, which saw Hong Kong racehorses make a clean sweep of the three Group 1 feature events. (ANDY CHONG / CHINA DAILY)

Tourists throng Victoria Peak, which offers a panoramic view of Hong Kong Island, on May 1. (EDMOND TANG / CHINA DAILY)