This year's cross-harbour swim will be the largest ever, organisers said on Monday, with the number of places increasing to 4,000.

The Hong Kong China Swimming Association said elite swimmers from around the world will be welcomed back now the pandemic is over and for the first time, top swimmers from elsewhere in the Greater Bay Area will be invited to participate in the leisure group.

"In addition to providing new opportunities for Hong Kong swimmers to compete with elite swimmers from around the world, we also look forward to the event further reinforcing Hong Kong’s importance as an international sporting events hub," said the association's president Ronnie Wong.

The race, from Wan Chai to Tsim Sha Tsui, will be held on November 12. Online registration opens on Wednesday.