1.   Mainland visitors, for their part, say fears about them are unfounded, and dismiss any notion of culture clash.

2.   Central Government reduced the number of mainland visitors to Hong Kong several months before the handover for security reasons, putting more restrictions on applicants.

3.   However, the increase in the number of visitors to the region is largely explained by a relaxing in the restrictions on mainland Chinese visitors.

4.   Mr Wills proposed that the government exempt Taiwanese visitors from needing visas and relax travel restrictions for mainland visitors.

5.   Sir Donald believes the Central Government aims to return the number of mainland visitors to pre-handover levels.

6.   THE Central Government is to lift pre-handover restrictions on mainland visitors to Hong Kong and rules on applications to visit will be relaxed.

7.   When Hong Kong Disneyland opens, Disney executives and Hong Kong tourism officials have said they hope to draw some business from mainland Chinese visitors.

8.   But others face disillusionment, for China has declared it will impose tight controls over mainland visitors to Hong Kong during and beyond the handover period.

9.   Chinese official sources also said some mainland visitors thought they could overstay thinking there would be an amnesty for illegal immigrants in Hong Kong after the handover.

10.   The number of mainland visitors arrested in connection with crimes in Hong Kong has increased by two-thirds over the past three years, according to official figures.