Opinion | As tourists return, Hong Kong has second chance at getting balance right

Between 2012 and 2018, Hong Kong experienced substantial growth, partly driven by a notable rise in tourism. During this period, Ocean Park often operated at full capacity, and the MTR was frequently crowded with travellers carrying suitcases. The streets of many neighbourhoods were transformed to provide goods and services mainly catering to mainland visitors.

For some locals, daily routines were disrupted as queues formed at bakeries and popular spots, creating a mixture of emotions about the city’s growing tourism sector. The dynamic that once defined local life was noticeably changing.

Hong Kong established itself as Asia’s “shopping paradise”, attracting over 65 million visitors in 2018, with some 78 per cent coming from mainland China. While this brought prosperity to many businesses and landlords, the general public often bore the costs, such as overcrowded MTR stations and other public spaces.
The growth of tourism was driven by increasing wealth on the mainland and policies like the Individual Visit Scheme, which made it easier to travel to Hong Kong from participating cities in China. Although the influx brought economic benefits, it also raised concerns about overcrowding, rising prices and the loss of neighbourhood character.
The situation changed significantly after 2019, when social unrest and then the pandemic severely affected tourism. As borders reopened, economic and geopolitical issues influenced global travel patterns, and visitors were slow to return. A major factor was the strong US dollar that the Hong Kong dollar is pegged to, which reduced the city’s competitiveness.
But competition from mainland cities also grew. New theme parks and retail options in Shenzhen began attracting tourists who previously preferred Hong Kong’s attractions, such as Ocean Park, forcing established venues to work harder to stay competitive.

04:36

Hongkongers hunt for roast chicken, soap and more bargains at US warehouse store in mainland China

Hongkongers hunt for roast chicken, soap and more bargains at US warehouse store in mainland China

Source link

Visited 1 times, 1 visit(s) today

Related Article

United Kingdom global travel destination

United Kingdom Emerges as a Global Hub for Vibrant Destinations with Tobermory Leading the Way, Surpassing Iconic European Rivals and Capturing the World’s Attention with Its Stunning Colorful Charm

Home » TRAVEL NEWS » United Kingdom Emerges as a Global Hub for Vibrant Destinations with Tobermory Leading the Way, Surpassing Iconic European Rivals and Capturing the World’s Attention with Its Stunning Colorful Charm Saturday, July 26, 2025 The United Kingdom has firmly established itself as a premier global travel destination, with Tobermory leading the

26 July 2025
View of Centennial Bridge in the town of Cottage Grove, OR, Oregon, USA

America’s Best Place To Visit Is Officially This “Gorges” Little City

Are you eager to visit a town immersed in nature, with one of the best farmers’ markets in the U.S., and plenty of galleries and museums? Then, Ithaca in New York may be what you’re looking for. Located about 54 miles south of Syracuse, this town recently won first place for ‘America’s best towns to

25 July 2025
Hong Kong Airlines Enhances Travel Connectivity with New Melbourne Service, Marking Significant Expansion of Its Network and Providing More Flexibility for Passengers from December 2025

Hong Kong Airlines Enhances Travel Connectivity with New Melbourne Service, Marking Significant Expansion of Its Network and Providing More Flexibility for Passengers from December 2025

Home » AIRLINE NEWS » Hong Kong Airlines Enhances Travel Connectivity with New Melbourne Service, Marking Significant Expansion of Its Network and Providing More Flexibility for Passengers from December 2025 Friday, July 25, 2025 Hong Kong Airlines is going to continue expanding its international network with the launch of a new direct flight service to

25 July 2025
Hong Kong Airlines to launch a new direct service to Melbourne from 12 Dec 2025

Hong Kong Airlines to launch a new direct service to Melbourne from 12 Dec 2025

Hong Kong Airlines announced that it will launch a new direct service to Melbourne from 12 December 2025. The new route will operate three times a week, offering travellers more flexible and convenient options for travel to Australia. To commemorate this significant milestone, a signing ceremony was held at Melbourne Airport, attended by representatives from Hong

25 July 2025
New Travel Advisories Issued By United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and Other Nations Amid Thailand and Cambodia Border Conflict: Here Is The Latest Update

New Travel Advisories Issued By United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and Other Nations Amid Thailand and Cambodia Border Conflict: Here Is The Latest Update

Home » TRAVEL NEWS UPDATES » New Travel Advisories Issued By United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and Other Nations Amid Thailand and Cambodia Border Conflict: Here Is The Latest Update Friday, July 25, 2025 There are also violent clashes between Thailand and Cambodia border as several countries have issued travel advisories recommending their nationals

25 July 2025
Tourism in Hong Kong Now Made Even Easier with MTR’s Lost Property Delivery Service

Tourism in Hong Kong Now Made Even Easier with MTR’s Lost Property Delivery Service

Friday, July 25, 2025 To enhance the overall tourist experience, Hong Kong’s MTR Corporation now offers a new lost property delivery service with SF Express. This new service seeks to streamline the experience for lost items while traveling in Hong Kong’s vast public transport network for tourists. The provision of returning service for recovered items

25 July 2025