Mainland Chinese Tourists Skip Japan, Flock to This Destination Instead—Visitor Numbers Soar to 20.56 Million: Also a Favorite Among Taiwanese, a Paradise of Food and Shopping

Hong Kong's tourism industry is experiencing a robust recovery. According to the latest data released by the Hong Kong Tourism Board, the total number of visitors to Hong Kong in the first half of 2024 reached 26.71 million, marking a 13% year-on-year increase. Among them, mainland Chinese visitors exceeded 20.56 million, accounting for nearly 80% of the total, making them the main engine behind Hong Kong’s tourism growth.

In addition, visitor numbers from long-haul markets such as France, Canada, and Australia all recorded growth of over 20%, indicating that Hong Kong’s international appeal is heating up once again. This article provides a comprehensive overview of Hong Kong’s latest tourism statistics and visitor composition, while offering an in-depth analysis of why mainland Chinese tourists are so drawn to Hong Kong.

First-Half Visitor Numbers Surpass 26 Million—Mainland Tourists Account for Nearly 80%

The latest statistics from the Hong Kong government and the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) show that in June 2024 alone, 3.72 million visitors arrived in Hong Kong, an increase of 7% compared to the same month last year. From January to June, the cumulative number of visitors reached 26.71 million, reflecting a significant overall growth of 13%.

By source market, mainland Chinese tourists were the primary growth driver. In the first half, the number of mainland visitors reached 20,565,086, a substantial 16% increase from the same period last year, accounting for nearly 77% of total arrivals. In contrast, visitors from markets outside mainland China totaled 6,157,402, a modest 5% increase.

Long-Haul Markets Rebound Strongly, Short-Haul Markets Slightly Contract—MICE Tourism Shows High Spending Potential

Global market trends reveal distinct regional shifts:

- Long-haul markets show significant growth: Travelers from France, Canada, and Australia all recorded at least 20% growth, demonstrating Hong Kong’s continued strong appeal to long-distance visitors. - Emerging markets remain stable: In the first half, visitor numbers from emerging markets reached 415,200, a 14% year-on-year increase, maintaining steady growth. - Short-haul Asian markets slightly decline: Due to rising fuel costs, airline capacity adjustments, and the depreciation of several currencies against the Hong Kong dollar, short-haul Asian markets faced some pressure. Visitor numbers totaled 3.21 million, a 2% decrease year-on-year.

Why Do Mainland Chinese Tourists Love Hong Kong?

Mainland Chinese tourists have consistently made up the vast majority of Hong Kong’s visitors, driven by four core factors:

### Geographic Proximity and Exceptional Transport Convenience

The opening of the Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express Rail Link, the operation of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge, and the numerous convenient border checkpoints between Shenzhen and Hong Kong have created a "one-hour living circle." For residents of Guangdong and southern China, visiting Hong Kong is like a "cross-city light trip," with same-day round trips being extremely convenient.

### A Shopping Paradise with Trusted Product Quality

Hong Kong maintains a long-standing duty-free port policy, making prices for international luxury brands, cosmetics, electronics, and imported goods highly competitive. Additionally, strict product quality regulations and consumer protection laws have earned high trust among mainland tourists for pharmaceuticals, health supplements, and baby care products.

### Unique Cultural Charm and Nostalgia from Film and Media

Hong Kong blends Eastern traditions with Western modernity, offering a unique fusion of cultures. Its distinctive cha chaan teng (tea restaurant) cuisine, along with the profound influence of Hong Kong cinema and pop music, draws many mainland visitors who come to experience a nostalgic "pilgrimage to the holy land of Hong Kong dramas."

### Policy Convenience and Diverse Tourism Resources

The gradual expansion of the "Individual Visit Scheme" (IVS) to more mainland cities has significantly lowered the barrier to visiting Hong Kong. Combined with world-class attractions such as Hong Kong Disneyland, Ocean Park Hong Kong, and the West Kowloon Cultural District, Hong Kong caters to diverse tourism needs, including family trips, youth social media check-ins, and high-end consumption.