Hongkongers made 2.73 million outbound trips over the Christmas holiday period, an increase of about 11 per cent from last year, with an industry leader reporting a boost in the nightlife sector, and experts saying the food and beverage business remained lacklustre.
According to the Immigration Department on Monday, the number of outbound trips between December 23 and 28 was 2.73 million, up from the more than 2.36 million recorded over the same period in 2024.
Christmas Day and Boxing Day fell on Thursday and Friday this year, giving Hongkongers a four-day weekend.
Departures from the city peaked on Christmas Day, with 664,660 trips logged.
With Christmas being a traditional party season, Chin Chun-wing, chairman of the Hong Kong Bar and Club Association, said the industry recorded a 10 per cent year-on-year increase in business, fuelled by a vibrant festive atmosphere and a notable rise in visitors from Europe and the United States.
Although Christmas is not a public holiday in mainland China, government data showed the number of visitor trips during the six days rose by about 10 per cent from last year. Non-mainland visitor arrivals also increased by around 8 per cent to 280,850.
