Hong Kong’s tourism sector is gearing up for a bustling first half of the year, with a slew of events expected to draw around 840,000 visitors and inject HK$33 billion into the local economy, Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po said in a blog post on the 8th.
Chan noted that tourist arrivals have continued to rise this year, with about 20 million visitors in the first five months—three-quarters from the Chinese mainland, up 10% year on year, and overseas visitors surging 18%. The 93 scheduled events across five categories—culture and arts, conferences and exhibitions, sports, festivals, and finance/tech gatherings—aim to boost visitor spending and extend stays through strategic bundling with local attractions.
“The government is actively linking these events with Hong Kong’s other tourism highlights to enhance synergy,” Chan said, citing the popular accommodation packages offered during concerts at Kai Tak Sports Park. The West Kowloon Cultural District and other venues are partnering with hotels, malls, and eateries to roll out discount packages, capitalizing on the “event economy” trend.
Looking ahead, the second half will see more high-profile events, including football galas, wine and dine festivals, and concerts, alongside new attractions that will sustain tourist growth, Chan added.
“The ‘event economy’ has proven effective,” said Choi Ting-bong, secretary-general of the Hong Kong Tourism Association. Lawmaker Shiu Ka-fai highlighted sports and exhibition events as key to attracting diverse visitors, urging the industry to focus on retaining high-end tourists with enhanced experiences.
With visitor numbers rebounding, Hong Kong is leveraging its event calendar to solidify its status as a regional tourism hub, blending cultural showcases and business events to drive economic vitality.
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