As Christmas and New Year's Day approach, the festive atmosphere is palpable across Hong Kong, and a large influx of tourists is expected to visit the city for holiday celebrations. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region's Culture, Sports, and Tourism Bureau announced yesterday (Dec. 21) that on Dec. 20, nearly 236,000 visitors were recorded entering HK. Among them, close to 188,000 were from the Chinese Mainland, marking the highest figure since the National Day Golden Week. Non-mainland visitors totaled nearly 48,000, also a record high for this year and the second-highest since the onset of the pandemic.
According to industry sources, hotel bookings and occupancy rates have risen by about 10 percentage points year-on-year. Room bookings for the Christmas period have reached 90%, with early reservations becoming more common—some visitors even booked rooms for late December as early as October, indicating how event-driven tourism is boosting the growth of the travel industry. A survey conducted by Wen Wei Po reveals that hotel room rates on Christmas Eve have increased by 20% to as much as 100%.
The Bureau stated in a social media post that the increase in visitor arrivals highlights HK's appeal as a top destination for holiday travel and family reunions. On the same day, Kai Tak Cruise Terminal welcomed two international cruise liners, adding vibrancy to the waterfront. The city is also hosting a series of exciting events, complemented by festive lighting displays, themed decorations in shopping malls, and Christmas markets, offering diverse photo opportunities and family-friendly experiences for both locals and tourists.
A review of hotel booking platforms by Wen Wei Po found that hotel room rates on Christmas Eve in HK have generally risen compared to regular days. Rooms in three- to five-star hotels now cost between HK$800 and HK$1,400 per night, with an average increase of HK$500, reflecting a 20% to 70% rise. Even budget accommodations, which are usually more affordable, now charge around HK$800 to HK$900 per night during the festive period, representing an increase of 60% to as much as 100%.
Hotel industry: Booking trends have advanced this year
Mr. Leung, Founding President of the Hong Kong Guesthouse Association, told Wen Wei Po that the association began a survey a month ago involving roughly 100 member guesthouses located in popular tourist areas such as Yau Tsim Mong and Causeway Bay. The findings reveal that booking trends have advanced significantly this year, with many visitors inquiring about and reserving rooms for late December as early as October—about a month earlier than in previous years.
According to Leung, the overall booking rate has now reached 85%, with some travelers having already paid in full. He predicts the occupancy rate will hit 90%, reflecting a year-on-year increase of about 10 percentage points.
With rising demand, hotel prices have also surged. Leung noted that for member guesthouses, single rooms that typically cost HK$250 per night on regular days rose to HK$350 last Christmas and have now increased to around HK$400 this year. Similarly, double rooms, which usually cost HK$350, were priced at HK$400 to HK$480 during last year's Christmas season and are now priced between HK$450 and HK$490. "With more visitors, we've made moderate price adjustments in response to market demand, and business is better than last year," he said.
Leung attributed the robust market conditions in the hospitality sector to the government's active promotion of event-driven tourism. He pointed out that nearly every month sees major events being held in Hong Kong, attracting tourists. "There are new attractions and activities, coupled with effective promotion, which naturally draw visitors. In previous years, some tourists may have felt HK lacked novelty, but now there are fresh topics and themes that stimulate interest."
Although the Hong Kong Tourism Board recently announced the cancellation of Victoria Harbour's New Year's Eve fireworks display, Leung believes this will have little impact on the hotel industry, as the main draw is not the fireworks. However, he didn't rule out the possibility that some visitors might shorten their stay due to the cancellation.
Tourism industry: Major attractions and new policies to boost visitors
Timothy Chui, Operations Director of Hong Kong O'hotels and Secretary General of the Travel Industry Council, told Wen Wei Po that his hotels have also achieved an 85% booking rate. Room rates are similar to last year's Christmas season, and it is expected that visitors will stay for an average of two nights during the festive period. Around 60% to 70% of these visitors are from the Chinese Mainland, while the remainder are overseas tourists.
Chui stated that one of the highlights of the upcoming holiday season is the implementation of the "Southbound Travel for Guangdong Vehicles" policy tomorrow (Dec. 23), along with the opening of the Central Kowloon Bypass (Yau Ma Tei section), which he believes will become a new tourist attraction.
"This year, bus companies have been actively launching open-top sightseeing bus routes, allowing visitors to experience the thrill of the city. Taking an open-top bus through the Central Kowloon Route also offers a new way to explore HK's infrastructure," he said.
Additionally, he noted that many HK residents are choosing to travel to the Mainland during the Christmas holiday. It is estimated that more than 1,000 outbound tour groups will depart from HK on Christmas Day. "The Mainland is currently in its low travel season, whereas HK is in its peak season. This combination creates a complementary two-way tourism boom," he concluded.
(Source: Wen Wei Po; English Editor: Zoey SUN)
Related News:
Comment