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Hong Kong’s hotels reported occupancy rates exceeding 90 percent over the Lunar New Year period, though figures remain slightly lower than in 2024 due to shorter stays and restrained spending by mainland Chinese visitors.
A spokeswoman for the Cordis hotel in Mong Kok confirmed a “robust occupancy rate” above 90 per cent, with nearly 40 percent of guests arriving from mainland China. Similarly, the Mira in Tsim Sha Tsui expects occupancy in the high 90s during the peak holiday period, with 62 percent of bookings from mainland or Hong Kong passport holders.
The Travel Industry Council estimates that 1.45 million mainland tourists will visit Hong Kong between 28 January 2025 and 4 February 2025, a 15 percent increase from last year. The rise is attributed to major events and the resumption of a multiple-entry visa scheme for Shenzhen residents in December after a nine-year suspension.
However, industry experts highlighted that many Shenzhen visitors are not opting to stay overnight, limiting benefits for hotels.
The average hotel expenditure per visitor is now around HK$1,300 (€160.5) per night, with stays averaging two nights instead of three in previous years. While occupancy rates remain strong, retail and hospitality businesses have observed a notable decline in consumer spending.
Hong Kong’s luxury shopping malls, once bustling with high-spending mainland tourists, report reduced footfall. This shift is driven by economic and social changes, including a property market downturn and employment uncertainties, leading to more cautious consumer behaviour.
Hong Kong’s tourism industry faces challenges in adapting to shifting visitor preferences. While cities like Tokyo and Bangkok are offering immersive cultural experiences, Hong Kong continues to rely heavily on its reputation as a luxury shopping destination, a model that appears increasingly outdated.
The city’s retail sector, still banking on a pre-COVID-19 business model, has struggled to adjust. The rise of “zero-dollar” tours, where visitors pay upfront for basic travel necessities but spend little beyond, highlights this shift. Tourists now come for the experience and atmosphere rather than extravagant shopping sprees.
According to the Immigration Department, 79,895 mainland visitors entered Hong Kong on 30 January 2025, while 330,633 locals travelled outbound.
Authorities project over 7.3 million trips via land checkpoints during Lunar New Year, with Lo Wu expected to be the busiest. Peak travel days are forecasted for 31 January and 2 February, with an estimated 567,000 and 640,000 passengers, respectively.
As Hong Kong grapples with evolving visitor trends, its tourism industry must adapt swiftly. Without significant adjustments to cater to changing consumer preferences, the city risks losing its competitive edge to regional destinations offering more tailored experiences beyond luxury shopping.