Tourism in Hong Kong has surged by twelve percent in the first half of 2025, with 24 million visitors flocking to the city. This remarkable growth is largely driven by strong demand from mainland China, along with notable increases from neighboring Asian countries such as Japan, South Korea, and the Philippines, as well as long-haul markets like Australia. Hong Kong’s resilient recovery is attributed to its strategic marketing efforts, strengthened air connectivity, and a diverse range of offerings that continue to attract international travelers.

Hong Kong has experienced a significant surge in tourism during the first half of 2025, with the city welcoming approximately 24 million visitors between January and June. This marks a notable 12 percent year-on-year increase, demonstrating a robust recovery and reaffirming Hong Kong’s position as a leading global travel destination. The consistent growth throughout the first six months of the year underscores the city’s appeal, driven by both its vibrant cultural offerings and its dynamic tourism sector.

June was particularly strong, contributing significantly to the overall growth with around 3.48 million visitors, an 11 percent increase compared to the same month in 2024. This rise was largely driven by arrivals from mainland China, with roughly 2.61 million visitors from the region. The mainland market remains a crucial component of Hong Kong’s tourism, reinforcing the importance of these close ties and strong cross-border travel connections. Mainland China continues to be a major source of tourism, with its visitors contributing to the bulk of arrivals in the city.

A deeper look into the data for the first half of the year reveals that mainland Chinese visitors accounted for around 17.8 million arrivals, representing a 10 percent increase from the same period last year. This steady rise reflects Hong Kong’s consistent efforts to maintain strong connections with its neighbors and the economic recovery in the region. At the same time, non-mainland tourists also contributed significantly to the tourism rebound, with approximately 5.84 million international visitors, marking a 17 percent year-on-year increase. This growth highlights that Hong Kong is successfully expanding its appeal to global travelers beyond the immediate region, signaling its broad international allure.

The short-haul market has been particularly promising, with countries in close proximity such as Japan, South Korea, and the Philippines showing impressive growth rates of 25 percent or more. These regions are driving an increasing number of visitors to Hong Kong, benefiting from strong regional connectivity and the city’s central position in East Asia. The rise in visitors from these neighboring countries further underscores the high demand for travel to Hong Kong within the Asia-Pacific region. For these travelers, the city is an attractive destination due to its easy accessibility, rich culture, and strong international presence.

On the long-haul side, the most striking increase came from Australia, where visitor arrivals surged by 33 percent compared to the same period last year. This growth marks the largest rise among long-distance markets, emphasizing the success of Hong Kong’s targeted efforts to engage with tourists from further regions. The strengthening of air connectivity between Hong Kong and Australia, coupled with the city’s active marketing strategies, has played a key role in drawing visitors from this far-reaching market. Australia’s robust interest in Hong Kong aligns with broader global travel trends, where destinations in Asia are becoming increasingly attractive to travelers from the Southern Hemisphere.

In a strategic move to further boost tourism and stimulate spending, the Hong Kong Tourism Board launched an extensive summer campaign aimed at encouraging both locals and international visitors to explore the city. The campaign, designed to capitalize on Hong Kong’s vibrant summer atmosphere, offers over 150 rewards and consumption perks to tourists and residents alike. These incentives are expected to drive engagement with the city’s retail, dining, and entertainment sectors, ultimately benefiting local businesses. The campaign also positions Hong Kong as a city that not only welcomes visitors but also provides them with tangible benefits and memorable experiences.

The timing of this summer campaign aligns perfectly with Hong Kong’s peak tourism period, when the city sees heightened activity due to the warmer weather and school holidays. The perks, ranging from discounts on local experiences to promotional offerings in retail outlets, aim to attract more people to immerse themselves in the cultural richness of the city. This is expected to give a considerable boost to the local economy, especially in sectors like hospitality, food, and retail, as tourists are encouraged to explore Hong Kong beyond its traditional attractions.

The impressive growth in tourism during the first half of 2025 highlights Hong Kong’s strong recovery and its continued importance as a global tourism hub. The city’s ability to attract a wide range of international visitors, from short-haul travelers in Asia to long-haul tourists from regions like Australia, demonstrates its versatility and appeal. With continued investment in tourism initiatives, such as the ongoing summer campaign, Hong Kong is well-positioned to sustain this upward trajectory for the rest of the year.

The city’s tourism industry will likely continue to benefit from both global travel trends and the tourism board’s targeted marketing efforts. Hong Kong’s successful return as a prime destination for international travelers suggests that it will remain a key player in the global tourism landscape. As the city adapts to shifting travel patterns and demands, its ability to attract diverse international audiences will be integral to its sustained success and continued growth in the years ahead.