Hong Kong's tourism minister highlighted nearly 200,000 New Year's Eve arrivals—part of a 12% festive period rise—despite cancelled fireworks, urging better distribution of crowds from hotspots like Central to areas such as Kowloon.
Following initial reports of 195,798 inbound visitors on December 31—a 25% year-on-year increase—Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism Rosanna Law Shuk-pui provided further details on Saturday. She noted close to 200,000 arrivals that day, including 150,000 from mainland China and 48,000 from overseas, contributing to 1.24 million visitors from December 24-31, up 12% from 1.11 million the prior year.
The fireworks were cancelled out of respect for victims of the November Tai Po fire, which killed at least 161 and displaced nearly 5,000. Despite this, Hong Kong affirmed its appeal as a countdown destination.
Law pledged enhanced festive efforts next year, particularly in Central. Tourism representatives emphasized dispersing visitors from Victoria Harbour and Central to Kowloon, Hong Kong Island areas, and the East Coast Broadwalk, citing spots like Statue Square and Yau Ma Tei Police Station.
This resilience underscores Hong Kong's tourism strength, though improved distribution could elevate visitor experiences.