Are worries over ‘political dangers’ causing Western tourists to shun Hong Kong?

Kayla, a nurse, said Hong Kong’s history was an attraction and they hoped to visit one day, but they were a little nervous about being there now.

“The political situation makes us a bit apprehensive,” she said. “There is a fear for many Americans that China is not always the safest or easiest to travel.

“Obviously Hong Kong is very different from mainland China, but some reservations still exist.”

North American and European tourists have been slow to return since Covid-19 pandemic restrictions were lifted last year, and experts suggest the reasons may have to do with Hong Kong’s image in relation to its politics and international relations.

Hong Kong Tourism Board data showed 594,752 visitors were from the United States last year, around half the number who came in 2019.

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