Visitor arrivals surge 6pc to 5.46m high in August

The Tourism Board announced on Tuesday that 5.46 million visitors arrived in Hong Kong during August, marking the highest monthly figure since the onset of the Covid pandemic. This figure, provisional in nature, represented a six percent year-on-year increase. The board credited the growth to major international meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions, along with significant events held in the Special Administrative Region (SAR).

Notably, the Hong Kong Football Festival drew a diverse range of visitors, contributing to arrivals from the Chinese mainland, Singapore, the United Kingdom, and other source markets. Visitors from long-haul markets saw the most substantial increase of 18 percent, reaching approximately 289,490. In the first eight months of the year, the SAR welcomed around 36.67 million visitors, up 11 percent compared to the same period last year.

The board noted that visitor growth in short-haul markets faced challenges due to factors such as flight capacity, fuel surcharges, and regional competition, resulting in a four percent decline to about four million short-haul visitors. Moving forward, the board plans to bolster promotions for upcoming festivals like the Mid-Autumn Festival and Halloween, as well as expand flagship mega events to attract more visitors.

Additionally, they intend to collaborate with the tourism and business sectors to promote Hong Kong's exclusive experiences, attract more high-value-added overnight travelers, and stimulate the local economy.