Published on
October 10, 2025
Tourism in Hong Kong has become popular with over 1.6 million visitors arriving in the city during the National Day Golden Week and the Mid-Autumn Festival. Such volumes of travelers during the holidays had never been experienced in the region. This combination of world class tourist attractions and the city’s own National Day fireworks and Mid-Autumn cultural events lantern carnivals coupled with demand from Mainland tourists must be recognized as motivators and drivers. The impact of the typhoon so far as crowd management, high hotel occupancy rates, and hotel management still suggest undeniable tourism interest. The current season, as Hong Kong shifted from the hyper-controlled pandemic-related border measures, defines the success of the tourism sector in the region.
During the National Day Golden Week and Mid-Autumn Festival holiday period, Hong Kong witnessed a significant influx of visitors, with approximately 1.64 million travelers arriving in the city. This surge in arrivals comes at a time when the city’s tourism industry is continuing to recover, offering promising signs of a revitalized tourism landscape.
Despite the challenges posed by a typhoon during the Golden Week, the number of visitors remained at a satisfactory level. The Mainland accounted for a large portion of this influx, with over 1.4 million visitors coming from across the border. The peak of visitor arrivals occurred on October 1, when more than 230,000 people entered Hong Kong, coinciding with National Day celebrations and the excitement surrounding the long holiday period.
Hotel occupancy throughout the holidays remained high, averaging around 90%. This reflects the city’s strong appeal as a travel destination, with visitors flocking to various attractions and events. The robust tourism figures, paired with the high hotel occupancy rate, illustrate the city’s ongoing popularity as a key tourism hub in Asia.
The National Day fireworks display, a staple of the holiday period, proved to be a major draw for both locals and tourists alike. More than 340,000 spectators gathered at Victoria Harbour to witness the spectacular show, marking a highlight of the festivities. Alongside the fireworks, cultural events like the Tai Hang Fire Dragon Dance also attracted large crowds, with around 100,000 attendees taking part in the unique and vibrant celebration.
One of the most notable attractions during this period was the Mid-Autumn Lantern Carnival at Victoria Park, which saw over 380,000 visitors across the eight-day event. The carnival, known for its stunning lantern displays and family-friendly activities, has become a signature event during the Mid-Autumn Festival, drawing both international tourists and local residents who seek to immerse themselves in Hong Kong’s rich cultural traditions.
For those seeking a more nature-centric experience, the High Island Reservoir East Dam became a popular destination, with around 12,100 visitors making their way to the site. Authorities reported smooth crowd management and efficient transport services, ensuring a pleasant visit for those exploring Hong Kong’s scenic landscapes.
In terms of organized group travel, the holiday period also saw a notable increase in Mainland tour groups visiting the city. Approximately 1,300 tour groups arrived during the Golden Week, bringing nearly 49,000 people to Hong Kong. This represented a 24% increase compared to the previous year, underscoring a growing interest in guided travel experiences. Roughly 60% of these visitors opted to stay overnight, contributing to the overall high hotel occupancy rates during the period.
The significant uptick in Mainland visitors reflects the ongoing demand for Hong Kong’s cultural, entertainment, and natural attractions, with many tourists eager to explore the city’s unique blend of modernity and tradition. This growth in tourism activity highlights Hong Kong’s resilience and its ability to maintain its position as a leading travel destination in Asia.
Looking ahead, the city’s tourism sector is expected to continue benefiting from these positive trends, with more visitors anticipated in the coming months. As Hong Kong continues to attract a diverse range of tourists, its vibrant cultural festivals, world-class attractions, and exceptional hospitality are sure to remain major factors in its ongoing appeal as a premier destination.
Visitor numbers soared in Hong Kong during the National Day holiday and the Mid-Autumn Festival. With 1.6 million tourists recorded, this time period established new records for the region. The most likely reason for this increase consist of the major cultural events, the large population of Mainaland tourists, and effective traffic crowding protocols in place. These factors portray Hong Kong as a highly anticipated holiday destination.
The National Day Golden Week and Mid-Autumn Festival period has actively illustrated the hegemonic position of Hong Kong in the tourism industry, especially with the large volume of visitors. The high volume of traffic during this period and the considerable level of satisfaction expressed during their experience in the region further reinforces the suggestion that Hong Kong is a highly culturally enriching holiday destination, and is guaranteed to continue pulling in a large volume of tourists in the future.
