Visitors look at a 1:1 scale robotic tyrannosaurus rex dinosaur displayed in Hong Kong on June 6, 2022. (PETER PARKS / AFP)

HONG KONG – The number of visitors to Hong Kong reached 80,000 in October, up 22 percent from the previous month, according to the Hong Kong Tourism Board.

Of the total 80,524 visitors last month, 32,866 were from outside the Chinese mainland, or more than double the 14,761 recorded in September

Of the total 80,524 visitors last month, 32,866 were from outside the Chinese mainland, or more than double the 14,761 recorded in September.

The travelers came to Hong Kong mainly for overnight stopovers, business trips, family visits and other essential travel needs. Hong Kong recorded 330,223 visitors in the first 10 months of this year.

The increases came after the government announced in September it was lifting the compulsory quarantine requirement for inbound travelers from overseas

Arrivals were required to undergo only three days of medical surveillance, without the previously mandated stay in a quarantine hotel, while complying with the LeaveHomeSafe app’s “amber code” restrictions.

The government further relaxed arrangements for inbound tour groups earlier this month, allowing them to enter designated tourist attractions and dine in designated catering premises. 

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A series of financial events in the city also attracted international business travelers, including the Hong Kong FinTech Week, which saw a record attendance of over 30,000 guests.