Passenger traffic at a ferry terminal linking downtown Guangzhou directly to Hong Kong International Airport nearly doubled during the current Canton Fair compared with March levels, customs data showed, as the Pazhou terminal establishes itself as a cross-border travel option for foreign business visitors.

Since the 139th Canton Fair opened on April 15, nearly 7,000 cross-border passenger trips have been recorded at Pazhou terminal, which sits adjacent to the Canton Fair Complex. Average daily traffic during the fair period has run at close to twice the March rate, according to Guangzhou Customs.

Since operations began on May 4, 2023, Guangzhou Convention and Exhibition Center Customs has handled about 370,000 inbound and outbound passenger trips at the terminal, the agency said Tuesday.

The terminal operates a direct ferry service to Hong Kong International Airport, offering exhibitors and business travelers an alternative to land border crossings. A business representative from the Philippines said the short walking distance and streamlined baggage inspection made the process efficient.

Customs authorities have introduced facial recognition, AI-assisted health declaration, and smart inspection equipment to speed up clearance and reduce waiting times.

"Pazhou ferry terminal is not only a vital gateway for foreign business representatives attending the Canton Fair, but is also emerging as a new channel for the exhibition economy connecting the Greater Bay Area and the world at large," said Mei Yizhi, director of Guangzhou Convention and Exhibition Center Customs, affiliated to Guangzhou Customs.