Rising airline fuel surcharges and the Middle East conflict are deterring Hong Kong residents from long-haul travel, favoring safe and affordable high-speed rail trips to mainland China. Traveler Mr Lau and his wife took a train to neighboring Guangzhou for a three-day trip costing about HK$500. Hong Kong Tourism Association executive director Timothy Chui Ting-pong said the changes have encouraged visits to cross-border destinations.
Hong Kong traveler Mr Lau exemplifies the shift to mainland trips. The 34-year-old took a high-speed train with his wife to neighboring Guangzhou on Friday, calculating that a return ticket costs about HK$500 (US$63.80), compared to over HK$1,500 for a short-haul flight including surcharges.
Mr Lau plans more visits to Shenzhen, Guangzhou and Xiamen this year, highlighting city-center departures and avoidance of airport charges. “With the extra fees on flights, taking the high-speed rail makes more sense now, especially for short trips,” he said.
Timothy Chui Ting-pong, executive director of the Hong Kong Tourism Association, told the South China Morning Post that the sharp rise in fuel surcharges and Middle East conflict have dampened desire for long-haul destinations while encouraging less well-known spots reachable by high-speed rail across the border.
The trend underscores how rising costs and geopolitical tensions are steering Hong Kong tourists toward nearby, secure options.