WTTC Report Details Strategies for Hong Kong to Regain Global Tourism Leadership

Hong Kong’s tourism recovery is gaining momentum, but the city remains below pre-pandemic benchmarks, with a new report outlining the need to diversify international demand and strengthen its position as a global business and leisure destination.

Published March 31, 2026 | By HNR News Staff Reporter

Recovery Continues but Gaps Remain

Hong Kong’s tourism sector is continuing its recovery following disruptions from civil unrest and the COVID-19 pandemic, but key performance indicators remain below pre-2019 levels, according to a report from the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC).

Inbound visitor arrivals are projected to reach 50.3 million in 2025, a 22.9% decline from the 2018 peak of 65.3 million. The recovery remains heavily concentrated in Mainland China, which is expected to account for 76% of arrivals, while international markets represent just 24%.

Business travel has also yet to fully recover, with spending forecast to remain 16.8% below 2018 levels.

Economic Contribution Remains Significant

Despite these gaps, tourism continues to play a central role in Hong Kong’s economy. The WTTC estimates the sector will contribute US$56.4 billion, or 13.6% of GDP, and support approximately 587,000 jobs in 2025.

Domestic demand has partially offset weaker international performance, with domestic travel spending up 15.5% compared to 2018. However, international visitor spending is still expected to remain about 15% below pre-pandemic levels.

Regional competition is also intensifying, with destinations such as Singapore and Macao projected to surpass pre-pandemic tourism benchmarks ahead of Hong Kong.

Diversification and Business Travel Identified as Priorities

The WTTC report identifies diversification of visitor markets and the recovery of business travel as key priorities for Hong Kong’s next phase of growth.

Rebuilding long-haul demand is seen as critical, with a focus on markets in North America and Europe. Strengthening partnerships with airlines and leveraging restored air connectivity are expected to play a central role in this effort.

At the same time, the report highlights the importance of reestablishing Hong Kong as a leading hub for meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE), supported by streamlined entry processes and targeted incentives for event organizers.

Shift Toward Experience-Led Tourism

The report also points to the need to reposition Hong Kong’s tourism offering beyond its traditional reliance on retail. Areas such as dining, cultural heritage, and major events are identified as opportunities to attract a broader mix of international visitors.

Encouraging longer stays is another priority. The average length of stay is projected to decline to 3.1 nights in 2025, down from 3.3 nights in 2019, highlighting the need for more curated itineraries and destination experiences.

Government Investment and Infrastructure Support

The Hong Kong government has committed HK$1.6 billion in tourism-related funding for 2026–27 to support large-scale events, expand international marketing, and strengthen the MICE segment.

Infrastructure developments are also contributing to the recovery. Hong Kong International Airport recorded the fastest growth in seat capacity globally in 2025, while the Hong Kong–Taipei route ranked as the world’s busiest cross-border air corridor, according to data from OAG.

Outlook

Hong Kong’s tourism sector is showing steady progress, but the recovery remains uneven, particularly in international and business travel segments.

The WTTC report suggests that sustained growth will depend on diversifying demand sources, enhancing the visitor experience, and strengthening coordination between public and private stakeholders.

As regional competition intensifies, Hong Kong’s ability to reposition its tourism offering and rebuild international connectivity will be key to regaining its standing as a leading global destination.