Hotel industry

Prospects for the hotel industry are expected to remain positive in 2013. The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) has predicted there will be up to 51.93 million visitors to the city this year, up 6.8 per cent on 2012.

According to HKTB, there are also new opportunities for Hong Kong tourism to stimulate business and create benefits for sectors such as the hotel industry.

These include the first berth of the Kai Tak Cruise Terminal, which will be operational in June this year. What's more, the Guangzhou-Shenzhen section of the Express Rail Link will be extended to central Shenzhen when the Futian station opens this year. The enhanced transport network will strengthen Hong Kong's position as the southern gateway to the mainland, making it a more attractive base for overseas visitors to explore the country.

Since September 2012, the Macau SAR government has offered visa-free arrangements for Russian citizens. The travel sector has stepped up the promotion of Hong Kong-Macau joint itineraries to the Russian market.

Hong Kong's two major theme parks - Disney and Ocean Park - are also rolling out new attractions, boosting the city's appeal as a family vacation destination in a bid to lure more visitors.