Hong Kong visitor arrivals hit post pandemic high

Hong Kong welcomed 5.46 million visitors in August, up 6 percent year on year and the highest monthly total since the pandemic, according to provisional Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) figures. Visitor arrivals for the first eight months of 2026 reached 36.67 million, up 11 percent year on year.

What drove August’s numbers?

The board credited a cluster of major events held during the month, including the Hong Kong Football Festival and the TMElive International Music Awards, alongside the usual summer travel peak. 

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Mainland Chinese arrivals rose 8 percent to about 4.57 million, while non-mainland long haul markets grew 18 percent and newer source markets grew 10 percent. Short haul visitor numbers told a different story, falling 4 percent year on year to just over 4 million over the eight-month period, which the board attributed to flight capacity, fuel surcharges and regional competition.

What’s expected for October’s ‘golden week’ holiday?

Industry representatives expect roughly 5 percent growth in visitor numbers during October’s mainland National Day break, nicknamed “golden week”, though arrivals still won’t return to pre-pandemic levels. Travel Industry Council chairman Tam Kwong-shun said visitors today want more, arguing that spending follows genuine experiences and events rather than simple shopping trips of the kind the city relied on in the past.

What’s the HKTB’s response?

Looking ahead, the tourism board plans to expand its calendar of flagship events, including the International Lantern Spectacular, a Halloween promotion, the Hong Kong Cyclothon, the Hong Kong Wine and Dine Festival, Hong Kong WinterFest, and New Year countdown celebrations, aiming to draw higher spending overnight visitors through the rest of the year.