Hong Kong Tourism Boosted by Holiday Rush: A Surge in Arrivals for Christmas and New Year Celebrations

Published on December 23, 2025

The upcoming Christmas and New Year holiday season is expected to boost Hong Kong tourism sector. With early indications of a thriving festive market, the city is preparing to welcome a large influx of visitors, boosting a variety of tourism-related industries. Industry insiders believe that this holiday season will pave the way for continued growth in the tourism industry, building on momentum from the previous year.

Record-Breaking Arrivals During the Holidays

Hong Kong has already seen promising signs of increased travel in the lead-up to the holidays. According to the latest statistics from the Hong Kong Immigration Department, more than 1.15 million visitors arrived in the city between December 20 and 21. The holiday rush on December 21, which recorded a staggering 48,000 arrivals in just one day, has set a new high for the year, showcasing Hong Kong’s continued appeal as a top travel destination.

This surge in visitor numbers highlights Hong Kong’s position as a leading holiday destination, particularly for family visits and leisure travel. The festive atmosphere, mild winter temperatures, and vibrant cultural events contribute to the city’s increasing popularity among international tourists, especially from mainland China and other parts of Asia.

Hospitality Sector Experiences an Uptick in Bookings

The holiday season has also provided a significant boost to Hong Kong’s hospitality sector. Local hotels, particularly those in prime shopping districts and popular tourist areas, are seeing higher-than-expected occupancy rates. Nina Hospitality, a major local hotel operator, reported that its hotels in Causeway Bay, a top shopping district, and Wong Chuk Hang, near the well-known Ocean Park, are expected to surpass 90% occupancy during the Christmas period. This is a significant increase compared to last year’s performance.

Hotel operators are also experiencing a rise in room rates, a clear sign of heightened demand. According to Rinoa Chan, the commercial manager at Nina Hospitality, the bulk of current bookings are from mainland Chinese visitors, followed by those from Australia, the United States, and Singapore. The city’s growing appeal as a holiday destination is reflected in the strong booking trends, further supporting the optimism of industry professionals for the Christmas and New Year period.

Optimism for Continued Growth Amidst Challenges

While the tourism sector has been experiencing a surge in visitor numbers, there are still some concerns to consider. Last month’s tragic blaze at the Wang Fuk Court apartment complex in Tai Po raised safety concerns that may influence some travelers’ decisions. However, the overall impact of the incident on the holiday tourism rush is expected to be minimal, with many visitors still eager to enjoy the festive offerings of Hong Kong.

Timothy Chui Ting-pong, executive director of the Hong Kong Tourism Association, expressed confidence in the continued growth of the tourism sector during this peak period. Observations of crowded streets in Tsim Sha Tsui, a popular shopping and entertainment district, further support this optimism. He highlighted that the festive events, combined with initiatives rolled out by the government and tourism sector, have been instrumental in stimulating demand. Visitors are particularly drawn to the city’s festive atmosphere and mild winter temperatures, making it an attractive alternative to colder destinations.

Strong Government Support for Tourism

The Hong Kong government has rolled out a series of campaigns and events to encourage tourism, which has had a noticeable impact on increasing arrivals. According to Fanny Yeung Shuk-fan, executive director of the Travel Industry Council of Hong Kong, over 1 million visitors are expected to arrive during the Christmas period alone, a year-on-year increase of around 10%. The Immigration Department’s statistics from last year recorded a total of 1,137,455 arrivals over the Christmas holidays, further underscoring the significance of this peak travel period.

Looking ahead, Yeung anticipates that total arrivals for the year will surpass 49 million, reflecting a continued recovery and growth in Hong Kong’s tourism sector. As the city moves into the New Year, the weekend leading up to New Year’s Eve is expected to mark a peak in visitor numbers, further bolstering the city’s hospitality and retail sectors.

What Travelers Can Expect in Hong Kong

Visitors traveling to Hong Kong during the holiday season can look forward to a range of festive events and activities. The city’s vibrant cultural landscape is on full display, with Christmas decorations, light displays, and special performances throughout the city. Tsim Sha Tsui, Causeway Bay, and other key tourist districts are expected to be bustling with both local and international visitors, creating a lively and festive atmosphere.

For those looking to enjoy the city’s attractions, the Hong Kong Tourism Board has ensured that a variety of events and campaigns are in place to keep tourists engaged. Iconic attractions such as Victoria Harbour, Ocean Park, and Disneyland Hong Kong are expected to see high foot traffic, with visitors flocking to these locations for a mix of entertainment, sightseeing, and shopping. The city’s renowned shopping districts, including Causeway Bay, Tsim Sha Tsui, and Central, are poised for strong retail sales, benefiting from the influx of holiday shoppers.

Looking Ahead: A Bright Future for Hong Kong Tourism

As Hong Kong continues to navigate the post-pandemic recovery phase, the outlook for its tourism industry remains positive. The upcoming festive season, marked by an influx of visitors, is expected to set the tone for the year ahead. The city’s ability to attract millions of visitors despite global challenges underscores its resilience and continued appeal as a top global destination. From family vacations to luxury shopping trips, Hong Kong’s diverse offerings make it an ideal destination for travelers during the Christmas and New Year period.

In the coming months, the Hong Kong tourism sector will continue to leverage its strategic campaigns, world-class attractions, and unique cultural heritage to maintain its strong position in the global tourism market. The festive rush will not only boost the hospitality and retail sectors but will also lay the foundation for sustained growth as the city welcomes more visitors in the year ahead.

Conclusion

The increase in visitors to Hong Kong over the Christmas and New Year holidays reflects the city’s ongoing recovery and growth as a leading global tourism destination. With strong bookings in the hospitality sector, rising room rates, and strong government support for tourism, Hong Kong is set for a successful holiday season. The city’s combination of mild winter temperatures, festive atmosphere, and world-class attractions keeps it appealing to international visitors, with visitor arrivals expected to rise further.

Hong Kong’s tourism industry is on track to surpass expectations, with arrivals expected to exceed 49 million this year. The city’s tourism future looks promising, with the holiday season providing a much-needed boost as it gears up for a successful 2025.