Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) has witnessed a remarkable resurgence in tourism, recording nearly 32.6 million visitor arrivals in the first three quarters of 2024. This marks a substantial year-on-year increase of almost 40 percent, according to data released by the Hong Kong Tourism Board on Thursday.
The majority of visitors hailed from the Chinese mainland, totaling over 25.2 million and reflecting a significant rise of approximately 35 percent compared to the same period last year. Meanwhile, visitor arrivals from other regions experienced an impressive surge of 59 percent, underscoring Hong Kong’s growing appeal on the global stage.
In September alone, the city welcomed nearly 3.1 million visitors, representing a 10-percent increase year-on-year. Notably, about half of these travelers were overnight visitors, indicating a renewed interest in extended stays and deeper cultural experiences within the region.
The tourism boom is further highlighted by the substantial growth in visitors from specific countries. Arrivals from South Korea exceeded 592,000 in the first nine months, soaring by an astonishing 171.3 percent year-on-year. Similarly, visitors from France surpassed 93,700, marking a notable increase of 73.6 percent.
This upward trend underscores Hong Kong’s successful efforts in revitalizing its tourism sector and re-establishing itself as a premier destination in Asia. The surge in visitor numbers is expected to have a positive impact on the local economy, benefiting businesses and fostering cultural exchange.
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Hong Kong SAR sees 40% rise in visitor arrivals in first nine months
cgtn.com
