Hong Kong hotels’ Lunar New Year occupancy rates above 90% but few big spenders

Mainland Chinese guests are staying for shorter periods and continue to prefer cheap local eats, hoteliers say

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Tourists and locals enjoy the festive decorations in Tsim Sha Tsui. Photo: Dickson Lee

Published: 9:00am, 30 Jan 2025Updated: 9:05am, 30 Jan 2025

Hong Kong’s hotels are reporting occupancy rates of more than 90 per cent over Lunar New Year, although the figures are down slightly compared with the same period in 2024, with industry insiders pointing to shorter stays and a continued reluctance by mainland Chinese visitors to spend.

A spokeswoman for the Cordis hotel in Mong Kok said it was enjoying a “robust occupancy rate” exceeding 90 per cent over the Lunar New Year period, with nearly 40 per cent from the mainland.

The Mira in Tsim Sha Tsui said it also anticipated a “robust performance” from January 28 until February 4 – the Lunar New Year “golden week” holiday on the mainland – particularly during the first four days, going by its bookings.

“We expect occupancy rates to be in the high 90s,” a spokeswoman said.

“Notably, about 62 per cent of our guests will be holding [mainland] passports or Hong Kong identity cards, highlighting the strong interest from these markets.”

Travel Industry Council chairman Tommy Tam Kwong-shun earlier told the Post that 1.45 million mainland tourists were expected to visit the city between January 28 and February 4 – about 15 per cent more than in 2024.

Tourists are spending fewer nights in hotels. Photo: Jelly Tse