Chief Executive John Lee on Tuesday said more than 1.4 million mainland arrivals are expected in Hong Kong during the Lunar New Year holiday period.

Speaking to reporters before the weekly Executive Council meeting, the CE said the administration will make comprehensive preparations to ensure travellers have a good experience.

"The inter-departmental working group, chaired by the chief secretary, will make proper arrangements based on the situation during individual festive periods and the estimated traveller numbers," Lee said.

"Regarding cross-border arrangements, we need to discuss and cooperate with mainland authorities. We will look at the actual situation to see whether service hours at border checkpoints need to be extended and how long these should be. We should be announcing the details within this week."

Lee said 2025 will open a new page for Hong Kong with more tourists making frequent visits to the city.

He said the number of inbound visits saw a huge surge last year, reaching almost 45 million.

While mainland arrivals saw a 30 percent year-on-year increase, the growth from Southeast Asia was even more significant.

The CE said he expects the growth to continue in the coming year, with more new air routes to be opened.

Meanwhile, the chief executive also announced that twin panda cubs at Ocean Park will make their public debut on February 16.

Lee said there would be a naming contest for the pandas.

"We hope everyone can share the joy of this big family, so having a naming contest will make it even more joyful and warm. Details will be announced soon," he said.