Published on
December 23, 2025
With Christmas and New Year holidays just around the corner, Hong Kong is preparing for the impending influx of visitors that will breathe renewed life into its tourism sector. The festive period is forecast to play an important role in helping the destination maintain steady tourism growth as it recovers. There are early signs that Hong Kong is experiencing the initial stages of tourism boost as it prepares to live up to the busy festive period.
Increased Demand for Hotel Accommodations
The influx of visitors during the holiday period is having a direct impact on Hong Kong’s hospitality sector. Hotels in prime locations are seeing a significant rise in bookings, and many are on track to exceed occupancy rates from previous years. Nina Hospitality, a major local hotel operator, reported that its hotels in the bustling Causeway Bay shopping district and near the renowned Ocean Park in Wong Chuk Hang are expected to achieve over 90% occupancy during the Christmas period, surpassing last year’s levels.
The rise in demand is also reflected in the average room rates, which are predicted to increase as more visitors flock to the city. Rinoa Chan, the commercial manager at Nina Hospitality, shared that mainland visitors are the primary drivers of bookings, though there is also a noticeable influx of travelers from countries like Australia, the United States, and Singapore. Chan expressed optimism about the season’s performance, hoping to achieve similar success to the previous year despite some challenges, including the recent fatal fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po, which may have made some potential visitors hesitant.
Holiday Events Fuel Tourism Growth
The bustling atmosphere of Hong Kong’s streets, particularly in the Tsim Sha Tsui area, reflects the city’s vibrant tourism scene. With festive events and attractions filling the calendar, Hong Kong’s appeal is reaching new heights. The Hong Kong Tourism Association has been actively promoting a series of holiday events and campaigns to further stimulate demand, and the results are already visible.
Timothy Chui Ting-pong, the Executive Director of the Hong Kong Tourism Association, expressed strong optimism about the holiday season’s growth, particularly pointing to the packed streets in Tsim Sha Tsui. He attributed the thriving tourism scene to Hong Kong’s mild winter weather, which contrasts with colder climates in other regions, as well as the city’s festive spirit. These factors, combined with ongoing promotional efforts, make Hong Kong an even more attractive destination for tourists, particularly those from neighboring Mainland China and other parts of Asia.
Chui also noted that the New Year’s Eve weekend is expected to be another peak period for arrivals, as travelers seek to ring in the new year in a vibrant, lively environment. With the city’s festive atmosphere, outdoor events, and cultural displays, visitors are drawn not only by the holiday spirit but also by the wide range of attractions and activities that Hong Kong has to offer.
Visitor Arrivals Expected to Exceed 1 Million for Christmas
Fanny Yeung Shuk-fan, the Executive Director of the Travel Industry Council of Hong Kong, forecasted that more than 1 million visitors would be recorded over the Christmas period, marking a 10% year-on-year increase. This projection is a testament to the growing confidence in Hong Kong’s tourism recovery. In comparison, the Christmas holidays of 2024 saw a total of 1,137,455 arrivals, according to the Immigration Department.
This holiday season is expected to be a turning point for the city’s tourism sector, as Hong Kong works to rebuild its reputation as a global tourism hub following the challenges of the past few years. With international arrivals already showing promising signs of growth, industry insiders are hopeful that the total number of visitors for 2025 will exceed 49 million, a significant milestone for the sector.
Hong Kong’s Strategic Role in Regional Tourism
Hong Kong’s role as a regional tourism leader is becoming more pronounced as it continues to attract visitors not only from mainland China but also from other parts of Asia and the world. The city’s appeal as a shopping, cultural, and entertainment destination makes it an ideal choice for holidaymakers looking for a unique blend of experiences. With major attractions such as Disneyland Hong Kong, Ocean Park, and a thriving shopping scene, Hong Kong is positioning itself as an ideal destination for both short-term getaways and longer vacations.
The city’s tourism sector has also been working closely with the Hong Kong government to ensure that the growing number of visitors can be accommodated safely and comfortably. From expanding travel infrastructure to promoting new events, the collective effort is aimed at maintaining Hong Kong’s status as a top global travel destination.
The Future of Hong Kong’s Tourism: Optimism for 2026 and Beyond
Looking ahead, one can sense great optimism with regards to the tourism industry. The tourist season, characterized by crowded streets and fully booked hotels, is one of the signs that show Hong Kong is on the right path and destined for success within the tourism industry. The combined forces of the government and tourism operators should ensure that Hong Kong continues to be among the favorite destinations for tourists.
