The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) yesterday released figures showing an increase of visitor arrivals to Hong Kong of 16.4 percent year on year for October 2011, and an overall growth of 16.2 per cent in the first 10 months of 2011.

Arrivals from Mainland China saw the highest growth, surging by 24.9 per cent to beyond 2.5 million visitors, with over 1.65 million travelling under the Individual Visit Scheme.

The short-haul market regions including Japan, South Korea and North Asia also recorded growth in October, while Southeast Asian countries including Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand showed a satisfactory performance.

This growth could be attributed to the Golden Week holiday and a large number of trade fairs and shows that occur during the month of October.  The autumn edition of the Hong Kong Electronics Fair, electronicAsia and the Hong Kong International Lighting Fair attracts a number of Australians.