Hong Kong Received More Than 277 Million Visitors In 2013

20 Feb 2014

A busy year of passenger traffic is experienced by the Control Branch of Hong Kong in 2013. More than 277 million travelers passed through Hong Kong control points, representing a surge of 3.6% as compared to the numbers in 2012. The total number of Hong Kong visitor arrivals saw a rise of 11.7% compared to 2012, and reached 54.3 million. Out of this, 5.06 million travelers passed through Sea Control Points, 12.33 million passengers visited Hong Kong through the Airport Control Points, and 36.9 million passengers through land boundary control points. Also, Hong Kong facilitated people movement by enhancing various services of Hong Kong immigration department.

e-Channel Service Extension and launch of 1^st e-Channel with voice navigation

In the recent years, the number of visitors to Hong Kong has been increasing. To further improve the handling efficiency and capacity of the Hong Kong immigration department, Information Technology has been effectively utilized and the e-Channel service is extended to handle more passengers. A total of 425 e-Channels were installed at all Hong Kong control points by the end of 2013, including the 102 multi-purpose e-Channels. These multi-purpose e-Channels can be deployed flexibly to be used by enrolled Hong Kong visitors and eligible Hong Kong residents.

On 19^th September 2013, the Hong Kong Immigration Department started the 1^st e-Channel in the world with the function of voice navigation. This is installed at Lok Ma Chau Spur Line Control Point and is designed for individuals who are visually impaired so that they can carry out self-service departure clearance. In order to use this service, at the entrance of the e-Channel, visually impaired people must first press the activation button to initiate the voice navigation function. After which, the voice instructions will guide the concerned individuals to finish the clearance process. In 2014, the Hong Kong immigration department is planning to stretch the service to Lok Ma Chau Spur Line Control Point’s arrival hall and the departure and arrival halls of Terminal Control Point of Macau Ferry.