Hong Kong tourism sector urges action, spending 44% below 2018

THE NEWS: Tourist spending in Hong Kong fell to HK$197.5 billion (US$25.2 billion) last year, 44 percent below the 2018 level of about HK$353 billion, prompting the industry to call for more experiential events, enhanced transport measures and closer cross‑border cooperation to draw overnight visitors.

DETAILS:

• Lawmaker Perry Yiu Pak‑leung, chairman of China Travel Service (Hong Kong), made the appeal on Friday.
• The 44 percent decline was highlighted in the latest Legislative Council research.
• Yiu said the drop reflects travelers’ shift toward experiences and in‑depth exploration rather than shopping.
• He noted that lower visitor spending is a global trend.
• The call specifically targets overnight visitors, who typically spend more than day‑trip tourists.

WHY IT MATTERS: The sharp decline in visitor spending threatens Hong Kong’s post‑pandemic tourism recovery; focusing on experiential events and better transport aims to attract higher‑spending overnight guests, helping restore revenue and keep the city competitive as travel patterns evolve.

FAQ

What was Hong Kong’s total tourist spending last year?
The article says Hong Kong’s tourism sector saw total visitor spending of HK$197.5 billion (US$25.2 billion) in the most recent year, and underscores the sharp contraction compared with pre‑COVID levels.

How does the recent spending compare with the pre‑pandemic level?
Spending is reported to be 44 percent lower than the roughly HK$353 billion recorded in 2018, the pre‑pandemic benchmark cited by the Legislative Council research, and signals challenges for the city’s economic recovery.

Who urged new measures to boost overnight visitor spending and what were they?
Lawmaker Perry Yiu Pak‑leung, who chairs China Travel Service (Hong Kong), called on Friday for more experiential events, improved transport measures and tighter cross‑border cooperation to lure overnight visitors. He said the spending slump reflects a shift toward experience‑focused travel rather than shopping.

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