Hong Kong’s tourism recovery continued to gather pace in the first half of 2026, with the city recording around 26.7 million visitor arrivals from January to June.
According to the Hong Kong Tourism Board, the figure represents a 13% year-on-year increase, showing that travel demand is still building as the city pushes events, experiences and longer-stay tourism.
The Latest Visitor Figures
Mainland travellers remained the biggest source of arrivals, with visits up 16% year on year and accounting for 77% of the total. Non-mainland visitors reached around six million, up 5% compared with the same period last year.
Long-haul markets performed particularly well, with arrivals from places such as France, Canada and Australia growing by 20% or more. Short-haul markets, however, fell by 2%, partly due to reduced flight frequencies and currency pressure.
Officials also noted a change in visitor spending habits, with tourists shifting from shopping-focused trips towards culture, experiences and activities.
Mega Events Support Tourism Growth
Mega events also played a major role in bringing visitors back. The city hosted more than 100 large-scale events in the first six months of the year, helping drive business and event-related travel.
Overnight arrivals linked to meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions rose 12% between January and May.
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