Talk of the town：Hongkongers travelling northward
【明報專訊】Although a constant growth in the number of mainland tourists visiting Hong Kong can be seen over the past several months, it pales in comparison with the boom in consumption done by Hong Kong people on the mainland.
Even though some shopping malls and retailers in Hong Kong have launched promotional campaigns earlier than before to boost footfall, they are not optimistic about the business growth.
According to figures from the SAR government, during the Christmas holiday, the number of Hong Kong residents departing the territory exceeded the number of incoming travelers by at least 857,000.
There were 5.35 million Hong Kong residents who visited Shenzhen in October 2023, with a total consumption of RMB$3.6 billion (HKD$4 billion), meaning that each person spent RMB$673(HKD$754) on average. It is equivalent to over one-tenth of Hong Kong's domestic consumption during the same period.
．Hong Kong control points for land crossing： (See the table)
Why do people love travelling north?
Shenzhen used to be famous for cheap and counterfeit products, but the standards of products and services have improved in recent years. Nowadays, travellers can find goods and food which Hong Kong people regard as good value for money.
To attract Hong Kongers to spend money, Shenzhen has implemented additional measures. Apart from providing more e-payment methods and delivering travel vouchers, 23 stores in the Luohu District's MixC shopping mall (華潤萬象城) have implemented a ''buy-now-refund-now'' policy for overseas travellers (including Hongkongers) recently, allowing them to receive a 9% tax refund right after making a purchase. For instance, if the total purchase price of goods is RMB$1000, the tax refund will amount to RMB$90.
''Hong Kong Night Treats''
To stimulate local consumption, the Hong Kong Tourism Board has handed out ''Hong Kong Night Treats'' HK$100 cash vouchers to visitors from 1 November 2023. For the locals, a total of 200,000 HK$100 dining vouchers were given away in two batches on 20 December 2023 and 10 January 2024. It is hoped that business of retail and catering sectors can be boosted, especially during long holidays.
■Grammar Booster
Equivalent to
''Equivalent to'' is an adjective, which means ''equal in value, amount, meaning or importance''.
E.g. One kilogram is roughly equivalent to 2.2 pounds.
■Gear up
How much refund can a overseas traveller get if he buys a camera for RMB$2000 in a store in the Luohu District's MixC shopping mall?
A. RMB$160
B. RMB$180
C. RMB$200
(Answer on next text)
■Glossary
footfall (n) 客流量
exceed (v) 超過
counterfeit (adj) 偽造的
batch (n) 批 / 組
(Criticisms on this publication, if any, are aimed at pointing out the errors or defects of certain systems or policies with a view to rectifying or eradicating such errors or defects, as well as prompting improvement or remedy for them via lawful means. There is absolutely no intention of inciting hatred, discontent or hostility towards the government or other classes of the community.)
[Smarties' Power English 第399期]
Spot the flaws：Contrasting conjunctions
【明報專訊】MO MO: I'm really disappointed, I failed my maths exam. Pat: ... 詳情
