About 26.4 million visitor arrivals are expected in Hong Kong in 2007, up 4.6 percent from last year, the Hong Kong Tourism Board said Wednesday.

The board's Chairwoman Selina Chow said the projection aligns with the World Tourism Organization's forecast that global tourismwill grow by about 4 percent in 2007.

"As Hong Kong has already achieved a huge visitor base, we should not focus solely on the quantity, that is, arrival figures,but also the quality or yield of our investment," Chow said.

To maximize the return, the board will adopt a three-pronged approach to promote Hong Kong.

It will leverage the opportunities created by the Chinese mainland to attract more overseas arrivals; continue to concentrate on meeting, convention and exhibition business, and family visitors; and highlight Hong Kong's unique living culture.