Hengqin Port sees record passenger traffic

The Hengqin Port has achieved a significant milestone, surpassing 20 million passengers for the first time since its opening in August 2020.

As of Nov. 21, the total number of travelers crossing the port reached 20 million, reflecting a remarkable year-on-year increase of 38.2%, according to data from the Hengqin Border Inspection Station.

Among the total, Macau residents accounted for over 4.35 million trips, which is approximately 22% of the overall traffic.

Regular cross-border travelers played a crucial role in this surge, making up nearly 70% of the total with 13.33 million trips, marking a 38.8% increase from last year.

The introduction of the “Hengqin-Macau Group Tour” policy in May has further heightened this growth.

This policy allows Chinese mainland tourists in organized groups to travel back and forth between Hengqin and Macau multiple times within a week, significantly enhancing visitor numbers. Data indicates that mainland visitors alone totaled 5.42 million this year, up 31.4% from the previous year.

During peak holiday periods, single-day passenger records were shattered on five occasions, with Oct. 3 seeing an all-time high of 103,500 travelers.

In addition to domestic traffic, Hengqin Port is becoming a gateway for international visitors as well.

Approximately 210,000 foreign travelers utilized the port this year for various purposes including business and tourism, representing a staggering 97% increase compared to last year. Streamlined travel processes and expanded visa options have bolstered Hengqin’s status as a hub for global exchanges, paving the way for future developments in tourism and trade. Nadia Shaw