The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) reports a 14 percent increase in UK visitors to Hong Kong in the first half of 2025, compared to the same period in 2024.
With 169,000 UK travellers having visited in the first six months, the statistics reveal a 64 percent recovery compared to the same period in 2018.
HKTB director for Europe Anette Wendel-Menke commented: “Hong Kong itself has always been a significant draw for many travellers, boasting a unique blend of Eastern and Western cultures, world-class food and dynamic energy.”
Wendel-Menke added that, based on current reports, 38 percent of visitors were first timers, which is higher than both 2024 and 2018.
A shot in the arm
Visitor numbers from the UK were driven significantly by the government repositioning the tourism offering to centre around culture, sports, gastronomy, the outdoors and mega events, such as Art Basel Hong Kong and the Hong Kong Rugby Sevens.
Indeed, this has helped broaden Hong Kong's appeal to a wider range of travellers with different interests.
To date, Hong Kong has welcomed several new openings recently including Kai Tak Sports Park, the destination’s largest integrated sports and entertainment landmark.
At the same time, there has been a spate of new hotel openings in recent months, including the Mondrian Hong Kong, Hopewell Hotel, and Dorsett Kai Tak Hong Kong.
2025 will also welcome the Kimpton Hong Kong which is anticipated to open in September.
