Group travelers to Hong Kong are being advised against using Lok Ma Chau or Huanggang checkpoints from Oct 1 to 4.

Tourism authorities in Shenzhen and Hong Kong are trying to keep pressure off the traveling public during the National Day holidays.

Travelers are being asked to use Luohu Checkpoint during the holidays because it is has a larger capacity and is better equipped, according to a notice issued by the Shenzhen Municipal Tourism Bureau on Saturday.

The bureau said the advice followed the notification of requirements from the Hong Kong side.

Travel agencies are being urged to submit lists of group travelers to relevant checkpoints and the receiving agencies in Hong Kong 24 hours ahead. They will also ask travelers to complete exit and entry cards and health declarations in advance to save time.

The Luohu Checkpoint will open more lanes and an extra gate for group travelers when needed, the tourism bureau said.

Traffic through Luohu Checkpoint has been estimated to reach 2.5 million people during the seven-day holiday with 300,000 people per day on average. More than 700,000 people are expected to travel through the Huanggang Checkpoint with a daily average of 90,000.

Overseas travel is 10 percent down on the corresponding period last year, travel agencies said. People were more realistic and choosing to avoid the peak periods, the agencies said.

Domestic tours are expected to be about the same as last year. About 70 percent of travelers book trips to natural resorts such as Lijiang, Jiuzhaigou, Zhangjiajie and Sanya.

(Shenzhen Daily September 29, 2003)