South Korea Joins China, Japan and United States Lead the Charge as Hong Kong Gears Up for an Explosive Tourism Boom with Nearly Fifty-Four Million Visitors in 2026, Ushering in a Record-Breaking Year of Eight Percent Growth and Unmatched Excitement

Published on February 28, 2026

Image generated with Ai

As Hong Kong prepares for a monumental tourism surge in 2026, nearly fifty-four million visitors are expected to flock to the city, marking an incredible eight percent growth from the previous year. The driving forces behind this explosive boom are key markets such as China, Japan, South Korea, and the United States, whose continued interest in Hong Kong as a prime travel destination is set to push the region’s tourism to new heights. This surge is fueled by Hong Kong’s dynamic recovery from the pandemic, its vibrant cultural offerings, and the launch of exciting new attractions, ensuring a record-breaking year that promises unmatched excitement for both visitors and locals alike.

Image generated with Ai

Hong Kong is on course to achieve a major tourism milestone in 2026, with a projected 53.8 million visitors, an impressive 8% increase from 2025. This forecast is a clear reflection of the region’s steady recovery and growing appeal as a global travel destination. The city’s tourism chief, Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Rosanna Law Shuk-pui, made this announcement as she provided insights into Hong Kong’s flourishing tourism landscape and exciting plans for the year ahead.

A Stunning New Light Show to Replace a Classic

One of the most anticipated events for 2026 will be the unveiling of Hong Kong’s new light show. The iconic “A Symphony of Lights,” which has graced the city’s skyline for over 20 years, will be replaced by a fresh and dazzling spectacle that promises to captivate both local and international visitors. This major transformation will take place in the second half of 2026, and the new show will be showcased at some of the city’s most famous tourist spots, including The Peak. This change marks a bold move towards modernizing the city’s image, while still preserving the visual grandeur that makes Hong Kong such a sought-after destination.

2026 Visitor Projections: A Significant Jump

Hong Kong is poised to experience a robust tourism recovery in 2026. The expected 53.8 million visitors will not only surpass the 2025 figure of 49.9 million but also reflect an ongoing upward trajectory in global tourism interest in Hong Kong. In January 2026 alone, Hong Kong recorded 4.81 million arrivals, marking a 1% increase from the previous year. The vast majority of these visitors, 76%, came from mainland China, which remains a crucial source of tourism for the region.

Though the detailed breakdown of these projections is yet to be fully revealed, with further information expected in March when the Hong Kong Tourism Board releases its annual outlook, the positive trends are undeniable. Hong Kong is continuing to build momentum, and with major events like the new light show and other initiatives, the city’s appeal is expected to soar even higher.

Mainland China: Hong Kong’s Dominant Visitor Source

As is often the case, mainland China continues to be a critical driver of Hong Kong’s tourism industry. The numbers from January 2026 paint a clear picture: 76% of the visitors that arrived in Hong Kong came from China. This highlights the continuing strength of cross-border travel, despite global challenges. The close proximity of mainland China to Hong Kong, along with shared cultural ties, makes it one of the top feeder markets for the city’s tourism sector.

Macau’s Surging Tourism: A Neighboring Success Story

Not far from Hong Kong, Macau, another Special Administrative Region (SAR) of China, has seen impressive gains in its own tourism sector. The region attracted 40.07 million visitors in 2025, marking a 14.7% year-on-year increase and surpassing the pre-pandemic peak of 39.4 million visitors in 2019. According to the Macau Government Tourism Office, mainland China was also the dominant source market for Macau, accounting for 72.4% of all arrivals. Hong Kong ranked second, with 7.3 million visitors, contributing 18.2% of the total.

The growth in Macau’s tourism highlights a broader regional recovery, with both cities benefitting from strong demand driven largely by mainland Chinese visitors. This resurgence signals that Hong Kong and Macau are both on the right path toward full recovery and could even exceed their pre-pandemic performance levels in the near future.

Hong Kong’s Growth Still Behind Pre-Pandemic Levels

Despite these promising figures, it’s important to note that Hong Kong’s tourism numbers are still not at the pre-pandemic highs. In 2019, Hong Kong welcomed nearly 56 million visitors. In comparison, 2025 saw 49.9 million arrivals, marking a 12% increase from the previous year but still falling short of pre-pandemic levels. However, the growth trajectory in both Hong Kong and Macau paints an optimistic picture for the future, with both regions poised for a complete recovery in the coming years.

Visitor Trends and Key Markets

Hong Kong’s tourism outlook is particularly strong in 2026 due to the continuous recovery of key source markets and a robust infrastructure that makes it easier for visitors to explore the city. Key markets such as mainland China remain crucial for the city’s tourism economy. However, Hong Kong’s growing appeal is also attracting tourists from various other regions around the world, making it one of the most diverse and dynamic tourism hubs globally.

Here’s a snapshot of key countries and regions influencing Hong Kong’s tourism sector:

• Mainland China: The leading source of visitors, with 76% of arrivals in January 2026 coming from this market. Cross-border travel remains the backbone of Hong Kong’s tourism industry.
• Macau: With a record number of visitors in 2025, Macau continues to play a significant role in driving tourism across the region. In 2025, Macau attracted 40.07 million visitors, with 7.3 million coming from Hong Kong.
• South Korea: South Korean tourists continue to show strong interest in Hong Kong, drawn by the city’s modern offerings and deep cultural ties.
• Japan: Japanese tourists are returning to Hong Kong, eager to experience the city’s unique blend of East and West, with many flocking to the new developments and entertainment options.
• United States and Europe: While not as dominant as Asian markets, visitors from the United States and various European countries contribute significantly to Hong Kong’s tourism, attracted by the city’s cosmopolitan allure and diverse attractions.

Regional Recovery: Hong Kong and Macau Lead the Way

The recovery in Hong Kong and Macau signifies more than just a rebound in visitor numbers. It demonstrates the resilience of these regions in overcoming the challenges posed by the global pandemic and their ongoing commitment to revitalizing their tourism industries. With the introduction of new attractions, events, and infrastructure developments, Hong Kong is firmly positioned to remain a top global destination in the years to come.

Hong Kong is set for an explosive tourism boom in 2026, with nearly fifty-four million visitors, fueled by strong demand from China, Japan, South Korea, and the United States. This surge reflects an eight percent growth, driven by the city’s vibrant recovery and exciting new attractions.

Hong Kong’s tourism sector is on a path to greater heights in 2026, with visitor projections set to exceed 53 million. With new and exciting developments such as the launch of a stunning new light show, the city is poised to reclaim its status as a leading international travel destination. The continued strength of mainland China as a major source market, coupled with Macau’s success, ensures that the region will remain a vibrant and thriving hub for global tourism.

As the city gears up for a stellar year, Hong Kong is not just bouncing back from the pandemic — it’s surging forward, ready to showcase a fresh, dazzling new side to the world.