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Hong Kong tourism groups push experiential events after spending drops
Visitor spending fell to HK$197.5 billion last year, down 44.0% from about HK$353 billion in 2018, according to Hong Kong’s tourism industry and legislative research.
Hong Kong’s tourism industry is urging more experiential events and closer cross-border cooperation after visitor spending dropped sharply, with the latest figures showing spending fell to HK$197.5 billion (US$25.2 billion) last year, 44.0% below the pre-pandemic level of 2018.
According to the South China Morning Post, legislative research cited in the discussion found visitor spending declined from about HK$353 billion in 2018 to HK$197.5 billion last year, a change that tourism leaders link to shifting travel patterns.
Lawmaker Perry Yiu Pak-leung, chairman of China Travel Service (Hong Kong) Limited, said tourists are putting more value on experiences and in-depth exploration rather than shopping, while lower spending also reflects a broader global trend.
Yiu added that whether Hong Kong can attract visitors to stay longer and offer a wider range of events will determine spending, noting tourism is influenced by external factors such as weather, flight prices, and transport costs.