Tourism minister Kevin Yeung said on Tuesday that Hong Kong recorded nearly a million arrivals of non-mainland visitors last month, the most so far this year for a single month.

He said total visitor arrivals in October topped 4 million, with non-mainland tourists exceeding 950,000.

For the first 10 months of the year, tourist arrivals reached 36.6 million, a 37 percent jump from the same period last year.

At a Legco panel meeting, lawmakers discussed the idea of promoting horse-racing tourism, which was included by Chief Executive John Lee in his Policy Address.

Third Side councillor Tik Chi-yuen expressed concerns that the move could encourage gambling, especially among the younger generation.

Yeung said the aim is not to encourage people to gamble.

"Our target is the tourists... Horse-racing is an attractive event in their eyes," the secretary for culture, sports and tourism said.

He described the SAR as the only place in the region that can host world-class, distinguished races.

On the Kai Tak Sports Park which is set to come into use in the first quarter of 2025, Election Committee councillor Chan Siu-hung asked whether officials can ensure that shops and facilities near the park will enjoy a high usage rate during days when mega events are not being held.

Chan noted the nearby cruise terminal could go very quiet at times.

Yeung said you can't compare the two. He said the sports park is a public facility, and individuals and groups can book and use the facilities there on non-game days.