Editorial | Visitor targets in sight as Hong Kong back on map for tourists
Major events and new venues have tourists flocking to Hong Kong again, with growth led by non-mainland long-haul visitors
The holiday season is a critical time for Hong Kong’s tourism sector, so the news that this year’s visitor numbers are almost certain to hit an annual target was an early Christmas present. In a month darkened by a deadly fire, arrivals were up in November to round out a year buoyed by mega-events and the new Kai Tak Stadium.
Non-mainland long-haul visitors led the growth, rising by 19 per cent, followed by short-haul travellers, up 17 per cent. Overall, non-mainland visitors rose 16 per cent.
Industry experts said the mainland’s easing of visa-free travel requirements for more countries helped increase the number of international travellers to Hong Kong. They predicted a cyclical rebound because passenger arrivals were still lower than in 2018. Major events certainly helped. Hong Kong, along with Guangdong and Macau, recently hosted the 15th National Games and Paralympic-style events. The 50,000-seat Kai Tak Stadium has driven repeat tourism, supported retail and even boosted retail property.
However, the welcome news must not distract from the stark reality of a new global business landscape. Traveller tastes and spending patterns are dramatically changing. Staying focused on market conditions to innovate and adapt will be a ticket to success in the new year and beyond.