Hong Kong tourism arrivals grow in year’s first half

Hong Kong tourism arrivals reached 26.7 million in the first half of this year, a 13 percent increase year on year, according to the Hong Kong Tourism Board. Mainland travellers rose by 16 percent, making up 77 percent of the total, while non-mainland visitor numbers hit roughly six million – a 5 percent rise – local broadcaster RTHK said. 

The increased proportion of non-mainland traffic in Hong Kong tourism arrivals was led by long-haul markets such as France, Canada and Australia, which saw growth of 20 percent or more. Conversely, short-haul arrivals fell by 2 percent due to reduced flight frequencies from higher fuel costs and currency depreciation against the Hong Kong dollar.

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Regarding meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions, the board reported that over 100 large-scale events were held in the city during the first six months, with overnight arrivals in this sector climbing 12 percent between January and May.

To encourage longer stays and boost the economy, the board has introduced a global “Only in Hong Kong” campaign and aims to attract more high value-added overnight visitors through “broader array of international conventions and exhibitions” in the coming months, further boosting Hong Kong tourism arrivals.

Hong Kong tourism arrivals boosting air traffic

These figures align with the latest annual report from the Airport Authority Hong Kong for the 2025 to 2026 fiscal year, which showed sustained growth across all key traffic categories, China Daily reported. Passenger traffic grew by 14.7 percent to 63 million, while flight movements increased by 7.1 percent to 399,450. Cargo throughput rose by 2.7 percent to 5.1 million tonnes, reinforcing the airport’s position as the world’s busiest cargo hub for the 15th time since 2010.

During the year, the Airport Authority recorded a post-tax profit of HK$2.04 billion (US$260.64 million). Chairman Fred Lam Tin-fuk said in a statement, “Over the past year, HKIA continued to make progress in strengthening its role as a leading international aviation hub, while laying the foundation for future development.”

He added: “With the Three-runway System providing capacity for long-term traffic growth, and key components of SKYTOPIA advancing, HKIA is entering a new phase of development.”