Secretary for Transport and Logistics Mable Chan expressed optimism about registration numbers for a scheme allowing Guangdong drivers to travel to Hong Kong, particularly with the approaching Chinese New Year holiday.

Speaking at a ceremony on Friday marking one month since the “Southbound Travel for Guangdong Vehicles” arrangement began, Chan noted that over 2,500 people have already applied, with more than 1,000 drivers having booked trips to Hong Kong.

With the Spring Festival around the corner, the first major holiday since the scheme started, she said reservations are expected to remain strong.

The Spring Festival Golden Week on the mainland runs from February 15 to 23.

"The very innovative cross-boundary travel policy, Southbound Travel for Guangdong Vehicles, can further encourage mainland residents to visit Hong Kong," Chan said.

"In addition to sightseeing, they can shop, visit theme parks, make business trips, attend exhibitions, see relatives and take part in a wide variety of activities."

She stressed that allowing visitors to drive and park in Hong Kong supports diverse tourism itineraries and public transport, helps maintain smooth traffic and boosts the city’s capacity to welcome more tourists.

"When we review and evaluate the scheme in future, we can consider increasing the quota to realise this vision," she said.

The programme permits up to 100 private cars from Guangdong daily to enter Hong Kong via the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge for stays of up to three days.

Chan also highlighted that vehicle crossings have surpassed 100 million since the mega bridge opened seven years ago.

Meanwhile, the hotel sector is actively preparing for the arrivals, with Caspar Tsui, executive director of the Federation of Hong Kong Hotel Owners, saying the industry is rolling out promotions including free parking and discounted stays.

He added the sector is also collaborating with theme parks and shopping malls to offer bundled discounts.

"I think the government has actually launched a very good campaign where many sectors have come together to make this scheme very attractive," he said.

"The next step would be, we hope, that the travellers who came to Hong Kong and experienced this new way of travel can spread the word."

He expects the scheme to benefit not only the hospitality sector, but also retail, catering and tourism, further promoting Hong Kong as a destination.

Hotel occupancy during the Lunar New Year period, he said, is forecast to reach around 90 percent.

Tsui added he hopes authorities will consider relaxing the quota in future to accommodate even more visitors.