The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) reported on 15 June that preliminary visitor arrivals for May reached 4.46 million, a 9 % year-on-year increase. Of these, mainland Chinese travellers accounted for 3.77 million, up 16 % on the same period in 2025, while long-haul arrivals grew 22 % to just over 300,000. Total inbound traffic for the first five months of 2026 now stands at 23 million, edging closer to the SAR’s pre-pandemic benchmark of 30 million for the same period. Growth has been tempered by flight shortages and Middle-East fuel-price spikes, but HKTB is doubling down on promotional campaigns. From late June, the board will distribute “Summer Gifts” packages—transport vouchers, dining coupons and attraction tickets worth HK $150 million in partnership with airlines and shopping malls—to encourage multi-night stays. The initiative is timed to coincide with the re-opening of the West Kowloon Cultural District’s Palace Museum wing and expanded high-speed rail services to Guangzhou South. For mainland corporates, Hong Kong’s rebound strengthens its role as a regional meeting hub. Conference centres report Q3 weekday occupancy above 80 %, driven by pharmaceutical product launches and fintech forums. Importantly, quarantine-waiver transit rules remain in place, allowing same-day onward flights through Hong Kong International Airport. Travel managers should monitor hotel rates, which the Hong Kong Hotels Association says are already 12 % higher than April averages; early block bookings are advised for July–August incentives.
Source: RTHK
