WTTC: HONG KONG HAS POTENTIAL TO RETAIN AS A LEADING DESTINATION FOR INTERNATIONAL TRAVELERS | News
Hong Kong SAR, China can re-establish itself as a destination of choice for international travelers by investing in key source markets, according to new research from the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC).
The WTTC report ‘Travel & Tourism in Hong Kong SAR, China: Recovery, Gaps, and the Road Ahead’ recommends that the city expand its reach into higher-yield segments and new geographies, specifically targeting mainland cities outside Guangdong, as well as fast-growing markets in ASEAN, the Middle East and India.
Hong Kong dominated several categories at the World Travel Awards 2025securing major global and regional titles. The city’s aviation and hospitality sectors were particularly successful, with Hong Kong International Airport winning the prestigious World’s Leading Airport for Customer Experience.
The recommendation follows the report’s projected visitor numbers to Hong Kong SAR, with international arrivals accounting for 24% and travelers from mainland China the remaining 76% by 2025.
International visitor numbers by 2025 are expected to reach 50.3 million, down 22.9% from the peak of 65.3 million in 2018. Meanwhile, business traveler spending is expected to fall 16.8% due to the twin shocks of civil unrest in 2019 and the Covid-19 pandemic the following year.
Despite the challenges, Hong Kong SAR’s Chinese travel and tourism industry is a major contributor to the city’s economy, with WTTC estimating that the sector will contribute US$56.4 billion of GDP and support 587,000 jobs by 2025.
The sector has made significant progress, reaching 98.5% of 2018 levels, with demand from domestic travelers – up 15.5% over that period – driving the recovery. However, Hong Kong SAR, China’s international visitor expenditure in 2025 was 15% below 2018 levels. In contrast, regional peers such as Singapore and Macau, China, are expected to exceed their pre-pandemic benchmarks by 3.6% and 2.4%, respectively, by 2025.
WTTC has made five more recommendations on how Hong Kong SAR, China attracts more international travelers:
Reinvigorate business travel: Position the city as a premier platform for global business events by offering targeted incentives to organizers and streamlining entry processes to regain its status as a MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) hub.
Restore long-haul demand: Take advantage of restored air connectivity and strengthen Hong Kong SAR China’s position in key Western markets, including the US, UK and Europe, through targeted airline partnerships.
Rethink the tourism offering: transform the city’s identity into a multi-dimensional destination where world-class restaurants, heritage and signature festivals drive visitor numbers, keeping retail a complementary rather than primary experience.
Improve visitor value and length of stay: Reverse the trend of shortening visits – forecast at 3.1 nights in 2025 compared to 3.3 in 2019 – by developing curated itineraries and incentives for exploring diverse neighborhoods.
Strengthen Public-Private Partnership: Promote a unified strategic direction by deepening coordination between the government, the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) and private sector stakeholders to align marketing and investments.
Government investment of HK$1.6 billion in Hong Kong SAR, China tourism for 2026-27 will support the industry’s growth, with the capital earmarked for scaling up flagship events and festivals. The Hong Kong Tourism Board also plans to expand the promotion to non-Guangdong mainland cities, and emerging markets in ASEAN and the Middle East, increase the number of cruises visiting the city and support MICE growth.
The WTTC’s report comes at a crucial time, as the city’s infrastructure reaches new heights. By 2025, Hong Kong International Airport was the fastest growing airport in the world in terms of seat capacity, while the Hong Kong-Taipei route was ranked as the world’s busiest cross-border air route (source: OAG).
Gloria Guevara, president and CEO of WTTCsaid: “Hong Kong SAR, China remains a global powerhouse, defined by world-class infrastructure and a unique cultural DNA that bridges the East and West. By leveraging record-breaking strategic investments and a clear roadmap to 2025, Hong Kong SAR, China is proving that recovery is a choice driven by partnership. Through public-private partnership and bold vision, Hong Kong SAR is claiming its rightful place as a premier global destination and a vital catalyst for international leisure and business travel back.”
