The Tourism Board on Tuesday said an ongoing visit from a mainland trade delegation will provide more opportunities for the tourism industry and boost Hong Kong's economy.

Representatives from eight mainland cities recently added to the Individual Visit Scheme are visiting the SAR to familiarise themselves with the city, to help them promote it as a destination.

Delegation member Huang Ning, deputy general manager of a Harbin travel agency, said the group's visit will bring new momentum to the tourism market and foster economic and cultural exchanges.

"The flight time from Harbin to Hong Kong is five hours. In the past, most of us would usually spend a night in Shenzhen before arriving in Hong Kong, but direct flights make it more convenient for passengers and more attractive to go straight to Hong Kong," she said.

"People can go whenever they want. The launch [of Harbin's inclusion in the scheme] plus direct flights have really facilitated the desire for Harbin people to visit Hong Kong."

Liu Xiaochun, general manager of Gansu Legend Travel Co. Ltd, said the shopping experience in Hong Kong is incredible, adding that she hopes the duty-free allowance for visitors can be increased from the current 5,000 yuan.

"Everyone is very friendly. This time we really felt that they were very hospitable. I really hope that the cap for the allowance can be increased. Our time here yesterday was too short. We felt that we didn't have enough time to go shopping," she said.

"The shopping experience is very pleasant here. We bought so many sports brand products here and also a lot of Hong Kong delicacies and snacks. The snacks here are very good."

Zhang Tenghong, executive director of Tibet Tourism Investment and Tourism Service Co. Ltd, said he was impressed by the attractions the delegation visited, including Central Market and Tai Kwun, adding that the SAR offers great food and scenery.