surge in tourist arrivals during Labour Day 'golden week' holiday in Hong Kong by 27%
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Hong Kong's tourist influx during the 2025 "Golden Week" Labour Day holiday has seen a staggering 27% surge compared to the previous year, primarily due to an influx of mainland Chinese visitors. The uptick in travelers can be attributed to targeted tourism initiatives and promotional campaigns.
According to tourism chief Rosanna Law Shuk-pui, 265,000 tourists flocked to the city over the first two days of the holiday, marking a 27% increase from the same period last year. Approximately 222,000 of those visitors were from the mainland, representing a 22% increase, while 45,000 came from other locations, observing a near 50% jump.
Law highlighted that 260 tour groups had registered to visit the city during the holiday, with 70% planning to stay overnight. The transport department had also arranged for minibus companies to expand service routes from about four to 30 to accommodate the surge in rural tourism, particularly at the High Island Reservoir in Sai Kung.
When questioned about the issue of overcrowding, Law noted that while improvement was necessary, major overhauls to enhance supporting facilities like additional restaurants or major infrastructure development would require careful discussion.
Behind the surge in mainland arrivals lies a strategic combination of government promotions, improved travel accessibility, event-driven tourism, and cultural appeal. The Hong Kong Tourism Board intensified marketing efforts in mainland China ahead of the holiday, leveraging new attractions like the Kai Tak Sports Park, highlighted in mainland TV dramas and social media. Campaigns highlighted cultural events such as the Cheung Chau Bun Festival and wildlife attractions featuring pandas.
Improved transportation networks and the popularity of high-speed rail services made it easier for mainland visitors to access Hong Kong, particularly from the Greater Bay Area and Shenzhen. Event-driven tourism saw over 260 mainland tour groups arrive on the first day, with 75% planning to stay overnight—a result of curated itineraries emphasizing extended visits. The High Island Reservoir East Dam and other scenic spots saw organized tourist traffic.
The "Hong Kong Cultural Beat" campaign showcased traditional festivals and modern attractions, resonating with mainland tourists seeking diverse experiences. Secretary Rosanna Law attributed the growth to effective international and mainland promotional synergy. While mainland arrivals dominate, international visits rose 50% (43,000 visitors), indicating a broader market recovery. Projections of 160,000–200,000 daily mainland arrivals align with the government's estimate of 840,000 mainland visitors for the five-day period.
- Amidst the surge in mainland Chinese tourists during Golden Week, a new tourism trend has emerged, with many visitors opting for hiking and rural tourism, such as visits to the High Island Reservoir in Sai Kung.
- As part of the lifestyle overhaul, the Hong Kong government has initiated an extensive overhaul of the city's travel infrastructure, to accommodate the growing influx of tourists, particularly during peak holiday seasons.
- Looking ahead, the Hong Kong Tourism Board aims to engage travelers in various lifestyle experiences, including cultural and wildlife attractions, to promote a sustainable tourism lifestyle and continue the growth trend seen during the 2025 Golden Week holiday.
