Fearless forecast: 8.65m holiday tourists to flock in

It's an 11% surge.

According to the Immigration Department, they estimate 8.65 million passengers will pass through land, sea and air checkpoints during the Christmas-New Year holiday period, up 11% on last year.

For inbound traffic, the busiest day will be December 26 when 391,000 passengers will arrive. Outbound traffic will be heavy on December 22 with 384,000 people leaving Hong Kong.

About 3.06 million passengers, a daily average of 306,000, are expected to pass through Lo Wu control point from December 21 to 26 and December 30 to January 2.

Passenger traffic at the Lok Ma Chau, Lok Ma Chau Spur Line, and Shenzhen Bay control points will also be heavy, with a daily average of 90,000, 137,000 and 94,000 forecast.

Passengers are advised to plan their trips in advance and avoid making their journeys during busy periods. Hong Kong residents needing assistance while travelling outside Hong Kong can call the department’s hotline (852) 1868.