8th June 2025 – (Hong Kong) The Hong Kong government has been vigorously promoting the “mega events economy” in recent years. Financial Secretary Paul Chan shared in a blog post today (8th) that visitor numbers to Hong Kong have continued to rise this year, with major increases seen in both mainland Chinese and overseas visitors. In the first five months of this year, out of approximately 20 million visitors, mainland Chinese visitors accounted for about three-quarters, marking a 10% annual increase, while overseas visitor numbers surged by 18%.
It is estimated that the mega events in the first half of this year attracted around 840,000 participants and contributed HK$3.3 billion in consumer spending, along with an economic value addition of HK$1.8 billion. When planning these events, authorities integrate them with other tourism highlights in Hong Kong to enhance the overall tourist experience and encourage visitors to stay longer. The industry is actively involved in promoting and facilitating these events, such as the successful accommodation packages introduced during international concerts at the Kai Tak Sports Park.
The West Kowloon Cultural District and other performance venues have collaborated with the tourism industry, connecting concert organizers with surrounding hotels, large malls, shops, restaurants, and tourist attractions to offer consumer discounts and packages, leveraging the opportunities presented by the mega events economy.
Looking ahead to the second half of 2025, a variety of cultural, sports, and travel-related events will continue to be staged in Hong Kong, including football tournaments, gourmet festivals, concerts, and the introduction of new attractions. These events, along with urban and rural areas, diverse features, and hotspots, are expected to draw a large number of tourists. Authorities are confident that the total number of visitors will continue to rise throughout the year, emphasising the importance of ensuring a positive visitor experience in Hong Kong, encouraging them to “play happily, eat joyfully, and shop leisurely,” fostering repeat visits and word-of-mouth recommendations among friends, becoming fans of Hong Kong’s experiences.
