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Visitor arrivals to Hong Kong grew to more than 23 million in 2005, Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) announced on Friday.

According to a press release from the HKTB, the number not only sets a new annual record, but also further builds on the exceptional performance that followed Hong Kong's full recovery from SARS in 2004.

Visitor numbers from international markets increased by 13.1 percent to a record 10.8 million. Arrivals from the Chinese mainland increased to a new high of more than 12.5 million in 2005,a rise of 2.4 percent over the previous year.

HKTB Executive Director Clara Chong expressed her satisfaction that arrivals had reached their targeted 23 million. "The strong growth in arrivals from almost every international market is clearproof that Hong Kong has sustained its appeal as a destination in the face of very tough competition," she said.

She said, "thanks to the steadfast support of the government and the travel industry, we were also able to achieve a balance of visitors from all key markets, which is so critical to Hong Kong's image as an international destination and its position as Asia's world city. "

Concerning the Chinese mainland market, she said, "the almost growth in 2005 is proof that we have consolidated the extraordinary gains of 2004. The recent extension of the Individual Visit Scheme should enable us to raise Hong Kong's profile in secondary and emerging cities in the Chinese mainland and we look forward to further steady growth."

The HKTB's target for 2006 is to receive 27 million visitors.