The WTTC notes that Hong Kong’s visitor economy has not managed to eclipse its 2018 traveller peak of 65.3 million travellers and that a surge in domestic travellers is helping the special administrative region of China appear to close the gap on said pinnacle, while international visitor spend remains significantly down.
The council also highlights that just 24 per cent of inbound visitors to Hong Kong come from outside Mainland China and that business travel in 2025 is expected to remain nearly 17 per cent beneath the record levels reached in 2018.
A contrast to the likes of Singapore and Macao are also flagged, given these other destinations in Asia are predicted to have now fully recovered from the pandemic dip and grown slightly.
For the business events sector specifically, the WTTC recommends targeted incentives to attract events to the city, alongside easing entry processes.
Other recommendations of the report include ramping up demand for travel from long-haul markets through airline partnerships, crafting itineraries and incentives to encourage visitors to explore other parts of Hong Kong, in a bid to combat a trend of shorter trips to the city, and grow public-private collaboration in terms of investing in and marketing Hong Kong’s visitor economy.
“Hong Kong SAR, China remains a global powerhouse, defined by a world-class infrastructure and a unique cultural DNA that bridges East and West,” said WTTC CEO and president, Gloria Guevara.
“By leveraging record-breaking strategic investment and a clear roadmap for 2025, Hong Kong SAR, China is proving that recovery is a choice driven by partnership.
“Through public-private collaboration and a bold vision, Hong Kong SAR, China is reclaiming its rightful place as a premier global destination and a vital catalyst for international leisure and business travel.”
