Here is How Hong Kong Outpacing India, Sri Lanka, China, Malaysia, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, and Thailand in Tourism Growth, Bringing 161,075 Tourists with the Change of Visa Policy

Written By: Tuhin Sarkar

Tuhin Sarkar

Tuhin Sarkar is a Senior Journalist at Travel and Tour World with more than 10 years of experience in travel and tourism journalism. A post-graduate in Journalism and Mass Communication from Jadavpur University, he combines strong research, industry knowledge and storytelling expertise to produce engaging, insightful and impactful travel news and fascinating feature stories.

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December 17, 2024 12:19 AM

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Hong Kong has emerged as a powerhouse in the tourism sector, significantly outpacing other popular destinations like India, Sri Lanka, China, Malaysia, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, and Thailand. Driven by strategic policies, enhanced connectivity, revitalized cruise itineraries, and world-class amusement parks, Hong Kong continues to attract a growing influx of tourists, solidifying its position as a global travel hub.

Record-Breaking Tourist Arrivals

Hong Kong’s recent success in surpassing tourism targets has been notable, especially post-pandemic. With measures such as the resumption of the multiple-entry visa scheme for Shenzhen residents, the city saw a 17% surge in mainland Chinese tourist arrivals in December 2024. This figure places Hong Kong ahead of regional competitors like Thailand, Vietnam, and Malaysia, which have struggled to maintain consistent tourism growth due to geopolitical or economic challenges.

The city welcomed hundreds of thousands of visitors during key festive seasons, such as Christmas and New Year, proving its capacity to attract both regional and international tourists.

Comparative Analysis:

• India: While India recorded a steady tourism growth of around 11% in 2023, infrastructural bottlenecks and high visa fees continue to limit its competitiveness.
• Sri Lanka: Despite its natural beauty, Sri Lanka’s tourism recovery remains slow due to ongoing economic instability.
• China: Mainland China’s strict visa and travel policies still dampen outbound and inbound travel figures.
• Malaysia and Thailand: These countries are popular for affordable travel but have not seen the same sustained surge as Hong Kong due to infrastructure limitations.

Hong Kong has experienced a significant rebound in tourist arrivals throughout 2024, signaling a robust recovery in its tourism sector post-pandemic. The city’s strategic initiatives and policy adjustments have played a pivotal role in revitalizing international interest and visitor numbers.

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Overall Visitor Statistics

In the first half of 2024 (January to June), Hong Kong welcomed approximately 21 million visitors, marking a 64% increase compared to the same period in the previous year. This translates to a daily average of about 116,000 visitors.

By September 2024, the monthly visitor arrivals reached approximately 3 million, reflecting a steady upward trend in tourism activities.

Mainland China as a Primary Source Market

Mainland China continues to be a dominant source of visitors to Hong Kong. In 2023, arrivals from mainland China were around 26.76 million. The first half of 2024 saw this number rise to 16.1 million, indicating sustained growth.

In May 2024 alone, out of 3.4 million total visitors, approximately 2.63 million were from mainland China, accounting for a significant portion of the influx.

Comparative Analysis with Pre-Pandemic Levels

Despite the positive trajectory, current visitor numbers have not yet returned to pre-pandemic figures. In 2018, Hong Kong recorded an all-time high of 2.91 million visitors in December. As of October 2024, the city registered 1.88 million visitors, indicating room for growth to reach former peaks.

Monthly Visitor Trends in 2024

• January to May 2024: The cumulative visitor arrivals were approximately 18 million, showcasing a 77.8% increase compared to the same period in 2023.
• June 2024: Provisional visitor arrivals reached 3.13 million, marking a 14% year-on-year increase.
• August 2024: Visitor arrivals stood at 4.45 million, up 9.2% from the same period the previous year, with mainland Chinese visitors comprising 3.66 million of this total.

Efforts to Enhance Tourism Appeal

To further boost tourism, Hong Kong has implemented several initiatives:

• Service Quality Enhancement: Campaigns encouraging service workers to be more courteous aim to improve visitor experiences.
• Policy Adjustments: The government has replaced senior officials to better align with tourism development goals.
• Cultural Campaigns: Initiatives promoting politeness and hospitality among residents are designed to make the city more welcoming to tourists.

Here is the requested table summarizing the tourist arrival data to Hong Kong:

Hong Kong’s tourism sector is on a promising path to recovery, with significant increases in visitor arrivals throughout 2024. While the numbers have not yet reached pre-pandemic levels, the upward trend and strategic efforts indicate a resilient and adaptive industry poised for continued growth.

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Enhanced Airline Connectivity Driving Growth

Hong Kong’s status as a major international aviation hub has been strengthened by new airline connections, boosting its accessibility from key global markets. In 2024, airlines expanded their services to and from Hong Kong, connecting the city to more destinations across Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.

Key Developments in Airline Connectivity:

1. Cathay Pacific launched new direct flights to secondary cities in India, Vietnam, and Cambodia, targeting growing middle-class travelers.
2. Hong Kong Airlines introduced increased frequencies to Southeast Asian destinations like Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, and Ho Chi Minh City.
3. Budget carriers such as AirAsia and Scoot enhanced connectivity for price-conscious travelers, further strengthening the city’s appeal.
4. New direct flights to Australia, Japan, and Europe positioned Hong Kong as a strategic layover hub for long-haul travelers.

This expanded connectivity has helped Hong Kong attract tourists from regions like South Asia, where direct access to destinations like Malaysia and Vietnam remains limited.

Cruise Itineraries: The Revival of Maritime Tourism

Hong Kong has also outperformed regional competitors by successfully revitalizing its cruise tourism sector. With the city’s state-of-the-art Kai Tak Cruise Terminal and Victoria Harbour serving as major attractions, cruise operators have reintroduced luxury itineraries catering to both domestic and international markets.

Cruise Highlights:

• Leading operators like Royal Caribbean and MSC Cruises offer itineraries that include multi-day stops at Hong Kong, creating opportunities for extended stays.
• The city has become a starting point for regional cruises to Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, and the Philippines, providing travelers with seamless access to neighboring destinations.
• Special holiday-themed cruises during Christmas and Lunar New Year have drawn thousands of tourists eager to enjoy festive celebrations at sea.

Unlike Sri Lanka, Cambodia, or Laos, where cruise infrastructure is underdeveloped, Hong Kong’s investment in modern terminals has solidified its position as Asia’s leading cruise hub.

Amusement Parks: Major Draw for Family Tourism

One of Hong Kong’s greatest competitive advantages lies in its world-class amusement parks, which attract families, international travelers, and returning visitors.

1. Hong Kong Disneyland: The park continues to evolve with new attractions, such as Arendelle: World of Frozen, launched in 2024. Its appeal lies in immersive storytelling, seasonal events, and exclusive merchandise that attract Disney enthusiasts globally.
2. Ocean Park Hong Kong: This iconic park has undergone significant upgrades, featuring marine exhibits, thrill rides, and eco-friendly attractions. It appeals to both adventure-seekers and nature lovers.

Compared to neighboring destinations like Vietnam and Cambodia, where amusement park development remains in its infancy, Hong Kong’s offerings are unparalleled. Even established tourism hubs like Thailand and Malaysia lack the brand power of Disneyland, giving Hong Kong a significant edge in family tourism.

Hong Kong’s tourism industry witnessed a significant boost as mainland Chinese tourist arrivals surged following the resumption of the multiple-entry visa scheme for Shenzhen residents. On December 7, nearly 145,000 mainland visitors crossed into Hong Kong, marking an 11% increase over previous weeks and a 16.7% rise compared to November 30, just before the new visa policy took effect.

On Saturday alone, Hong Kong welcomed over 138,180 visitors from the mainland, with 60% using land crossings, reflecting the strategic importance of border accessibility. The revival of the visa scheme, which allows Shenzhen residents to make unlimited visits within a year instead of the previous one-trip-per-week rule, has reinvigorated cross-border travel.

The visa policy change, implemented on December 1, aims to bolster Hong Kong’s economy through increased tourism. Previously shelved in 2015 due to complaints about border trade disruptions, the multiple-entry visa scheme now stands as a vital measure to restore tourism momentum post-pandemic.

Tourist Hotspots: Victoria Harbour and Tsim Sha Tsui Thrive

The weekend of December 7 and 8 saw mainland tourists flocking to iconic Hong Kong attractions. Areas like Tsim Sha Tsui were particularly vibrant, with thousands of visitors posing for pictures along Victoria Harbour and embarking on sightseeing boat tours.

Wong Mei-tung, a 53-year-old boat tour operator, reported unprecedented demand for her 40-minute harbour tours priced at HK$150 (US$19.30). “I noticed many Shenzhen tourists boarding, which was unusual before. They seemed excited to re-experience Victoria Harbour, even if they had visited before,” Wong said.

In addition to boat rides, Christmas-themed attractions proved a significant draw. Thousands gathered at Harbour City’s promenade, snapping photos of the festive decorations and enjoying the vibrant holiday atmosphere. Star Ferry vessels connecting Tsim Sha Tsui to Wan Chai were also packed with visitors seeking panoramic views of Hong Kong’s skyline.

Traveler Perspectives: Day Trips and Festive Atmosphere

For many mainland tourists, the visa scheme’s convenience has removed previous travel barriers, encouraging quick, hassle-free visits. Locky Huang, a 23-year-old graduate from Shenzhen, praised the policy for eliminating tedious paperwork.

“The multi-entry visa makes travel easier. I plan to visit for day trips to save on hotel costs. I’ve seen most of Hong Kong before, but I’ll come back to shop or relax,” Huang said.

Helen Zhang, a 26-year-old online retailer from Jiangxi province, made her second trip to Hong Kong since the pandemic. The festive Christmas decorations, a rarity in mainland China, were her primary reason for visiting. “We don’t celebrate Christmas or get a holiday on December 25, so we came here to take photos and enjoy the holiday vibes,” Zhang explained.

Zhang also expressed hope that the visa scheme would expand to other mainland cities. “If access were easier for residents beyond Shenzhen, we would visit more frequently. Hong Kong’s relaxed atmosphere suits travelers with diverse budgets.”

Chen Raowa, 24, visited Hong Kong from Guangzhou for the first time with three friends. The group toured Victoria Harbour, Harbour City’s decorations, and Golden Bauhinia Square before exploring Central for local food recommendations, including wonton noodles.

The influence of platforms like Xiaohongshu (a popular Chinese social media app) is increasingly evident, with tourists following curated itineraries and recommendations for must-visit attractions and dining spots.

Economic Impact and Future Challenges

While the surge in mainland arrivals has revitalized local businesses, tourism leaders emphasize the need for greater diversity in attractions to sustain the momentum. Hong Kong’s reliance on familiar landmarks like Victoria Harbour, Tsim Sha Tsui, and Central remains strong, but repeat visitors seek new, unique experiences.

Local businesses, such as shops and restaurants, have welcomed the increased foot traffic. However, industry experts argue that Hong Kong must evolve its offerings to retain long-term appeal. Diversified experiences — including cultural tourism, culinary tours, and entertainment-focused attractions — are key to maintaining growth.

Government Efforts: Chief Executive John Lee’s Vision

Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu underscored the government’s commitment to strengthening tourism ties with mainland China. During a surprise visit to Tai Kwun in Central and Lee Tung Avenue in Wan Chai, Lee engaged with tourists, encouraging them to return.

Lee highlighted the visa policy’s success, noting that Shenzhen residents appreciated the renewed convenience of frequent travel. “The multiple-entry visa is an essential step in boosting tourism, and we hope more visitors will take advantage of this opportunity to experience Hong Kong’s unique offerings,” Lee said.

His visit followed a recent trip to Beijing, where he met with Chinese President Xi Jinping to discuss measures aimed at revitalizing Hong Kong’s economy. Tourism remains a cornerstone of these recovery efforts, with the central government’s support playing a pivotal role.

The Future of Hong Kong’s Tourism

The resumption of the Shenzhen multiple-entry visa scheme represents a promising step in Hong Kong’s economic recovery. With over 261,668 mainland tourists arriving during the December 7-8 weekend alone, the potential for sustained growth is evident.

To capitalize on this momentum, Hong Kong must focus on:

1. Diversified Attractions: Introducing new cultural, experiential, and entertainment options to appeal to repeat visitors.
2. Improved Infrastructure: Enhancing cross-border travel facilities, such as rail connections and land crossings, to accommodate growing visitor numbers.
3. Targeted Campaigns: Promoting Hong Kong as a year-round destination, with tailored offerings for holidays, shopping, and relaxation.
4. Collaborations with Mainland Cities: Expanding visa-free arrangements to other mainland hubs like Guangzhou, Jiangxi, and beyond.

Mainland visitors, particularly younger generations, are driven by convenience, affordability, and unique experiences. Their preferences — influenced by social media trends, festive atmospheres, and shopping opportunities — provide valuable insights for shaping Hong Kong’s tourism strategy.

Festivals, Events, and Shopping Experiences

Hong Kong’s vibrant cultural scene and retail offerings continue to set it apart from competitors. Events like the Hong Kong WinterFest and seasonal decorations in Tsim Sha Tsui and Central create festive atmospheres that attract visitors seeking unique experiences.

Key Factors Boosting Tourism:

• Shopping Festivals: Hong Kong remains a global shopping hub, offering luxury brands, duty-free shopping, and cultural markets.
• Events and Exhibitions: The city hosts international expos, trade shows, and sporting events that attract business and leisure travelers.
• Dining and Nightlife: Hong Kong’s diverse culinary scene, from Michelin-starred restaurants to street food stalls, provides experiences unmatched by many regional destinations.

In contrast, Sri Lanka and Cambodia remain primarily focused on nature and cultural tourism, while Malaysia and Thailand lack the same scale of luxury shopping experiences.

Hong Kong’s Winning Edge

Hong Kong’s strategic initiatives have enabled it to outpace tourism powerhouses like India, Thailand, Vietnam, and Malaysia. By focusing on enhanced airline connectivity, revitalizing cruise itineraries, and offering world-class attractions like Disneyland, Hong Kong has successfully positioned itself as Asia’s premier travel destination.

Its ability to cater to diverse traveler preferences — from luxury shoppers and cruise enthusiasts to budget tourists and families — gives Hong Kong a competitive edge over other regional markets. As global tourism rebounds, Hong Kong’s focus on innovation, infrastructure, and visitor experiences ensures it will remain a top choice for travelers worldwide.

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