Related: USA Pavilion at Expo 2010 Shanghai Launches Virtual Tour / United States Pavilion at Shanghai Expo 2010 Announces New President/CEO

Average Expo Visitor from Hong Kong Likely to Spends HK$2,953 per day in Shanghai 

The ongoing Shanghai 2010 Expo has become a key driving force for inbound tourism to Shanghai, according to the latest MasterCard survey. The Shanghai World Expo is the most popular tourist spot ahead of other leading must-see icons in Shanghai city, such as the Shanghai Museum, Nanjing Road shopping belt and the Bund. Out of the five markets, 80% of the respondents from Hong Kong who plan to travel to Shanghai are keen to experience the Expo buzz, followed by the Japanese (48%) and Taiwanese (46%).

MasterCard Worldwide conducted the online survey from April 23 to April 30, 2010 involving more than 1,000 travelers from five markets[1]. All respondents have either visited Shanghai or intend to visit Shanghai. Respondents were asked about their expectations and plans for travelling in Shanghai during the Expo period. 

The Hong Kong travelers plan to spend an average of 5.2 days in Shanghai, ranking third among the surveyed markets (U.S.: 6.3 days, Taiwan: 5.6 days). When asked about their estimated spending in Shanghai, excluding travel and accommodation, those intending to visit Shanghai for the Expo are likely to spend more than those who visit the city for other purposes (US$378.6/ HK$2,953 vs. US$325.4/ HK 2,538). The U.S. travelers were top of the list with an average of US$478/HK$3,728 per day, followed by travelers from South Korea (US$440/ HK$3,432 per day) and Japan (US$406/ HK$3,167 per day). 

For those who would visit Shanghai for the Expo, Hong Kong respondents said sightseeing (86%) and dining (69%) are the two key factors in their intention to visit Shanghai. On the other hand, more than 80% of the respondents from the U.S., Japan, and South Korea agree that dining is one of the key factors for their visit. 

For Hong Kong respondents who plan to visit the city, the top three attractions are the Shanghai World Expo 2010 (80%), The Bund (68%) and Shanghai Museum(63%), where the China Pavilion and the Hong Kong Pavilion are the most popular pavilions for Hong Kong travelers, with 69% and 63% of respondents preferring to visit respectively. A significant percentage from Hong Kong (37%) expects to use their mobile phones to obtain travel information. Although most travelers in most markets use a mix of cash and payment cards, visitors from Hong Kong (67%) are the mostly likely to use cash.


Ling Hai, executive vice president and general manager, Greater China, MasterCard Worldwide said, “From May 1, as the world converges in Shanghai for China’s first-ever World Expo, more overseas travelers will visit Shanghai, stimulating the tourism industry in the city and its neighboring areas. When the tourists are in Shanghai, they are looking forward to authentic dining cuisines. MasterCard is pleased to bring flavors of Shanghai to our visiting cardholders this Expo season.” 

Based on the survey results, MasterCard introduced the “Flavors of Shanghai” campaign which offers countless priceless experiences during the Expo and enticing dining offers for MasterCard cardholders. 

“Flavors of Shanghai” is unique in that it features an innovative digital platform meaning that a wealth of exciting experiences is just a click away. MasterCard partnered with Apple Apps and Android Market to bring visitors a digital guide that features: a handy list of dining deals, a suite of exclusive offers for MasterCard cardholders, a priceless guide to the Expo, and a city ATM locator. 

About MasterCard Worldwide

MasterCard Worldwide advances global commerce by providing a critical economic link among financial institutions, businesses, cardholders and merchants worldwide. As a franchisor, processor and advisor, MasterCard develops and markets payment solutions, processes over 22 billion transactions each year, and provides industry-leading analysis and consulting services to financial-institution customers and merchants. Powered by the MasterCard Worldwide Network and through its family of brands, including MasterCard®, Maestro® and Cirrus®, MasterCard serves consumers and businesses in more than 210 countries and territories. For more information go to www.mastercard.com.

[1] United States, Japan, Korea, Hong Kong and Taiwan