Hong Kong tourist arrivals up 3% in July as bad weather curbs mainland growth

In July, Hong Kong welcomed approximately 4.5 million visitors, marking a 3% increase compared to the same month last year. This surge in arrivals was attributed to major international conventions and exhibitions, such as the 108th Lions International Convention and the LEAP East technology exhibition. However, bad weather conditions negatively impacted visitor numbers from mainland China, which only grew by 3% year-on-year, amounting to around 3.61 million visitors.

The Hong Kong Observatory noted that July was notably gloomier and wetter than average, with heavy rainfall reaching 790.3 mm, more than double the monthly average.

Mainland tourists accounted for about 80% of the total visitors, with mainland arrivals increasing by 3% compared to the previous year. The Tourism Board estimated that the city received 31.22 million visitors across the first seven months of the year, a 11% rise from the same period in 2025. Mainland arrivals in the first seven months reached 24.16 million, up 13% year-on-year. For long-haul markets, July saw a 17% increase in arrivals to 307,200, while new markets rose by 36% to 69,722.

Short-haul arrivals, however, experienced a decline of 9% to 413,647 over the month and a 3% decrease over the first seven months. The board attributed the drop in short-haul arrivals to rising fuel costs due to the Middle Eastern conflict, which affected flight capacity and pressured regional markets. The Tourism Board announced several flagship events for the second half of the year, including the Hong Kong Cyclothon, Wine & Dine Festival, Hong Kong Winterfest, and the New Year Countdown Celebrations, as well as promotions to encourage visitors to explore different neighborhoods, stay longer, and spend more in the city.