The government said on Friday that vehicles approved under the Southbound Travel Scheme for cars from Guangdong will be allowed to drive into Hong Kong’s urban areas from December 23, when the city is imbued with a festive atmosphere.

Under the scheme, 100 vehicles, the daily quota, will be permitted to enter via the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge and stay for up to three days.

The first phase will cover cars from Guangzhou, Zhuhai, Jiangmen and Zhongshan before the scheme is expanded to the rest of the province six months later.

Drivers can register for a Guangdong-run draw to be among the first group of participants. The draw will take place on November 23, with those whose names have been drawn in "computer-based balloting" then being to submit their formal applications from December 9.

Chief Executive John Lee thanked the central and Guangdong governments, stating that the scheme would boost the flow of people and goods in the Greater Bay Area and create new opportunities for tourism and retail in Hong Kong.

He added that the dual-track arrangement, which allows cars from Hong Kong to drive north and cars from Guangdong to drive south, will further accelerate the integrated development of the Greater Bay Area.

“Not only do they facilitate mutual engagement between residents of Guangdong and Hong Kong, but they also achieve a higher level of mutual flow of people and goods and even open up a new model for mainland residents to visit Hong Kong, which in turn brings opportunities to such sectors as tourism, retail, and catering in Hong Kong,” he said.

The government said travellers under the scheme are expected to be high-spending individuals and families.

To help them plan their trips, a guide will be provided containing information on attractions, accommodation choices and parking facilities.

The authorities added that the initiative aims to encourage visitors to stay in Hong Kong for several days and enjoy cultural, sports, exhibition, shopping and theme park experiences, thereby helping to boost local tourism and the wider economy.