Slowing economic growth in China combined with anxiety over the pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong has translated into the first drop in mainland tourist numbers visiting the former crown colony since it reverted to Chinese rule in 1997.
According to figures from the immigration department, 675,155 mainlanders entered Hong Kong during the five-day Lunar New Year holiday period to mark the Year of the Goat.
Last year, in the same holiday period, there were nearly 14 per cent more visitors, and tourism officials have been quick to blame the pro-democracy movement which occupied downtown Hong Kong late last year.
