Hong Kong SAR, China can re-establish itself as a go-to destination for international travellers by investing in key source markets, new World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) research reveals.
The WTTC report ‘Travel & Tourism in Hong Kong SAR, China: Recovery, Gaps, and the Road Ahead’ recommends that the city expand its reach into higher-yield segments and new geographies, specifically targeting mainland cities beyond Guangdong, as well as fast-growing markets in ASEAN, the Middle East, and India.
Hong Kong dominated several categories at the World Travel Awards 2025, securing major global and regional titles. The city’s aviation and hospitality sectors were particularly successful, with Hong Kong International Airport winning the prestigious World’s Leading Airport for Customer Experience.
The recommendation follows the report’s projected visitor numbers to Hong Kong SAR, with international arrivals accounting for 24% and travellers from mainline China making up the remaining 76% in 2025.
International visitor arrivals for 2025 are forecast to have reached 50.3 million, down 22.9% from the 2018 peak of 65.3 million. Meanwhile, spending from business travellers was set to fall 16.8% owing to the dual shocks of civil unrest in 2019 and the Covid-19 pandemic the following year.
Despite facing challenges, Hong Kong SAR, China’s Travel & Tourism industry is a major contributor to the city’s economy, with WTTC estimating that the sector accounts for US$56.4 billion of its GDP and supports 587,000 jobs in 2025.
The sector has made meaningful progress, reaching 98.5% of 2018 levels, with demand from domestic travellers – up 15.5% in that period – driving the recovery. However, Hong Kong SAR, China’s international visitor spend in 2025 was 15% below the 2018 level. In contrast, regional peers such as Singapore and Macao SAR, China are projected to have exceeded their pre-pandemic benchmarks by 3.6% and 2.4% respectively in 2025.
WTTC has provided five further recommendations for how Hong Kong SAR, China attracts more international travellers:
Re-energise Business Travel: Position the city as a premier platform for global business events by offering targeted incentives for organisers and streamlining entry processes to reclaim its status as a MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) hub.
Rebuild Long-Haul Demand: Capitalise on restored air connectivity and strengthen Hong Kong SAR China’s positioning in key Western markets—including the US, UK, and Europe—through targeted partnerships with airlines.
Rethink Tourism Offerings: Pivot the city’s identity into a multi-dimensional destination where world-class dining, heritage, and signature festivals drive visitation, ensuring retail remains a complementary rather than primary experience.
Enhance Visitor Value and Length of Stay: Reverse the trend of shortening visits – forecast at 3.1 nights in 2025 compared to 3.3 in 2019 – by developing curated itineraries and incentives for exploring diverse neighbourhoods.
Strengthen Public-Private Collaboration: Foster a unified strategic direction by deepening coordination between the government, the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB), and private sector stakeholders to align marketing and investment.
Government investment of HK1.6 billion in Hong Kong SAR, China tourism for 2026-27 will support the industry’s growth, with the capital earmarked for scaling flagship events and festivals. The Hong Kong Tourism Board also plans to expand promotion into non-Guangdong Mainland cities, and emerging markets in ASEAN and the Middle East, grow the number of cruises calling at the city, and support MICE growth.
The WTTC’s report comes at a pivotal time as the city’s infrastructure reaches new heights. In 2025, Hong Kong International Airport was the world’s fastest-growing airport by seat capacity, while the Hong Kong-Taipei route was ranked as the world’s busiest cross-border airline route (source: OAG).
Gloria Guevara, President & CEO of WTTC, said: “Hong Kong SAR, China remains a global powerhouse, defined by a world-class infrastructure and a unique cultural DNA that bridges East and West. By leveraging record-breaking strategic investment and a clear roadmap for 2025, Hong Kong SAR, China is proving that recovery is a choice driven by partnership. Through public-private collaboration and a bold vision, Hong Kong SAR, China is reclaiming its rightful place as a premier global destination and a vital catalyst for international leisure and business travel.”
