The tourism sector in Hong Kong plays a vital role in its economy, significantly contributing to GDP and employment. With a rich cultural heritage and a plethora of attractions, Hong Kong continues to attract millions of visitors each year.
Below are key statistics that highlight the current state and trends of tourism in Hong Kong.
Key Hong Kong Tourism Statistics
Visitor Arrivals Statistics
In 2023, Hong Kong experienced a remarkable resurgence in tourism, with total visitor arrivals reaching approximately 9.5 million. This figure represents a dramatic increase from just 0.6 million in 2022, when strict COVID-19 restrictions severely limited travel (GovHK.) By September 2024, the trend continued, with visitor arrivals recorded at about 3 million, indicating an ongoing recovery in the tourism sector (Trading Economics).
Following the resumption of travel, average daily visitor arrivals were at 47% of pre-pandemic levels, reflecting a gradual return to normalcy (Wikipedia).
A significant portion of these visitors came from Mainland China, which accounted for approximately 78% of total arrivals in 2019, underscoring the importance of this market to Hong Kong’s tourism industry (Statista).The Individual Visit Scheme (IVS) has facilitated over 299 million arrivals from Mainland China since its launch (GovHK).
However, visitor numbers from non-Mainland markets decreased by 14% in 2019. The highest recorded tourist arrival was over 6.78 million in January 2019, showcasing the peak potential of Hong Kong’s tourism industry (GovHK).
Looking ahead to 2024, Hong Kong welcomed approximately 21 million visitors in the first half of the year, marking a 64% increase year-on-year. This included about 16.1 million visitors from Mainland China and 5 million from non-Mainland markets, reflecting strong recovery trends (source).
Forecasts for 2025 suggest that visitor numbers could continue to rise significantly, potentially reaching around 30 million as international travel stabilizes and marketing efforts attract more tourists from diverse regions.
This optimistic outlook is supported by increasing satisfaction ratings among visitors and a growing number of attractions and events designed to enhance the overall visitor experience in Hong Kong.
2024 Tourists Arrival in Hong Kong
| Month | Total Arrivals | Mainland Arrivals | Non-Mainland Arrivals | Year-on-Year Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 3,345,000 | 2,000,000 | 1,345,000 | +70% |
| February | 3,500,000 | 2,100,000 | 1,400,000 | +75% |
| March | 3,500,000 | 2,200,000 | 1,300,000 | +60% |
| April | 3,200,000 | 1,900,000 | 1,300,000 | +50% |
| May | 3,500,000 | 2,200,000 | 1,300,000 | +65% |
| June | 3,132,598 | 2,341,637 | 790,961 | +14% |
| Total H1 | 21,151,235 | 16,145,195 | 5,006,040 | +64.2% |
Economic Impact
Before the COVID-19 pandemic, tourism was a significant contributor to Hong Kong’s economy, accounting for around 3.6% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) (Statista). This contribution underscored the importance of the tourism sector in driving economic growth and supporting various industries, including hospitality, retail, and transportation.
However, the onset of the pandemic had a catastrophic effect on this vital sector. By 2021, tourism’s contribution to GDP plummeted to just 0.1%, reflecting the severe downturn in visitor numbers and spending that characterized that year (Tourism Commission).
In terms of financial impact, total tourism expenditure associated with inbound tourism reached about HK$256.2 billion in 2019, demonstrating the robust spending habits of visitors prior to the pandemic (Statista).
This level of expenditure not only supported local businesses but also facilitated job creation across various sectors. Before the pandemic, tourism employed approximately 232,700 persons, accounting for about 6% of total employment in Hong Kong (Statista).
As Hong Kong continues to recover from the pandemic, recent data indicates that visitor arrivals have been steadily increasing, contributing positively to the local economy.
In Q1 2024, strong visitor arrivals helped drive 2.7% growth in the local economy (source). The Hong Kong government has implemented measures to bolster tourism and restore economic confidence, with a focus on hosting international events and promoting local attractions.
Looking forward, it is estimated that every 1.5 million visitor arrivals could contribute an additional 0.1 percentage point to Hong Kong’s GDP growth (source). Therefore, as tourism continues to rebound, its role in revitalizing Hong Kong’s economy will be crucial for achieving sustainable growth and enhancing overall economic resilience in the coming years.
Tourism Expenditure in Hong Kong Each Year
- Total Tourism Receipts: In 2017, Hong Kong recorded total tourism receipts of approximately HK$296.7 billion. This was an increase from HK$293.7 billion in 2016, reflecting a positive trend in tourism expenditure during that period (CEIC).
- Peak Year for Tourism Receipts: The highest recorded tourism receipts were HK$359.4 billion in 2014, indicating the peak of tourism expenditure before the decline due to various socio-economic factors (CEIC).
- Recent Expenditure Trends: In 2023, international tourists in Hong Kong spent a total of around HK$178 billion, which was significantly lower compared to pre-pandemic years but showed signs of recovery as visitor numbers increased (Statista).
- International Tourism Expenditures: In 2016, international tourism expenditures reached approximately USD 24.2 billion, marking an increase from USD 23.1 billion in 2015. This data reflects the significant spending habits of international visitors during that time (CEIC).
- Long-term Trends: From 1998 to 2017, tourism receipts averaged around HK$150 billion annually, with fluctuations based on global economic conditions and local events impacting visitor numbers and spending (CEIC).
Accommodation Statistics
The accommodation sector in Hong Kong has shown promising signs of recovery as tourism rebounds from the COVID-19 pandemic. In the first four months of 2023, the hotel room occupancy rate reached 78%, indicating a strong resurgence in demand for hotel accommodations as travel restrictions eased (Trading Economics).
By April 2023, there were 319 hotels in Hong Kong, providing approximately 89,300 rooms for guests (Tourism Commission).The average hotel room rate was around HK$1,206 in 2019, but rates have fluctuated since then due to changing market conditions and visitor preferences (Trading Economics).
In 2022, the average occupancy rate across all hotel categories was recorded at 66%, significantly lower than pre-pandemic levels. However, as tourism continues to recover, these figures are expected to improve further, reflecting growing confidence among travelers and a gradual return to normalcy in the hospitality sector.
Visitor Behavior Statistics
Average Length of Stay
The average length of stay for overnight visitors in Hong Kong was approximately 3.6 nights in 2023, which is an increase from the 3.3 nights recorded in 2019. This indicates that visitors are spending more time in the city as tourism continues to recover from the pandemic (source).
Per Capita Spending
Per capita spending by overnight visitors was around HK$9,700 (approximately US$1,240) in the first quarter of 2023 but decreased to HK$6,100 (approximately US$780) by the fourth quarter. This reflects a significant fluctuation in spending habits as travel patterns evolved post-pandemic (source).
Overall, tourists spent approximately HK$177.9 billion during their visits to Hong Kong in FY2023, which marked a substantial recovery compared to previous years but still fell short of pre-pandemic levels (source).
Shopping Trends
A significant portion of tourists visit Hong Kong for shopping due to favorable tax regulations on luxury goods. In 2023, retail spending by visitors averaged around HK$1,300 (approximately US$166) per same-day visitor, which is lower than the pre-pandemic average of HK$2,000 (approximately US$255) (source).
Popular shopping destinations included luxury malls like IFC Mall and Harbour City, which attracted many visitors looking for high-end brands.
Trends and Recovery
- In September 2024, tourist arrivals decreased from approximately 4.45 million in August to about 3 million (Trading Economics).
- The number of overnight MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions) arrivals dropped by 14.2% to 1.69 million in 2019 (GovHK).
- As of early February 2023, travel restrictions were fully lifted, allowing for a significant increase in visitor numbers (Trading Economics).
- In July 2021, visitor numbers were at a record low of just over 1,800, reflecting pandemic impacts (Trading) (Economics).
Historical Context
- Visitor arrivals averaged around 2,313,355 from 1992 until 2024 (Wikipedia).
- The peak month for tourist arrivals was July 2011, with over 3.8 million visitors (Tourism Commission).
- By December 2006, there were 612 hotels and guest houses, with an average occupancy rate of 87% for that year (Wikipedia).
Government Initiatives
- Hong Kong is recognized as an “Events Capital of Asia,” hosting numerous international events annually (Tourism Commission).
- The share of IVS arrivals increased from 35% in 2004 to 64% in early 2023 (Tourism Commission).
- The government has implemented a “Development Blueprint for Hong Kong’s Tourism Industry” to enhance tourism sustainability and growth strategies since October 2017 (Tourism Commission).
Miscellaneous Statistics
- The number of overnight MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions) arrivals dropped by 14% in 2019.
- Hong Kong’s top ten visitor source markets include Mainland China, Taiwan, and the United States among others (GovHK).
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Ron Hoekstra is the founder of The LibertyOnDemand. He is a graphic designer, self-taught entrepreneur, writer, and Illustrator. He will give you professional insights and tips in the world of travel,
