Chinese New Year boosts Hong Kong’s visitor figures for January-February 2026

The Hong Kong Tourism Board released visitor figures for the first two months of 2026, with mainland Chinese tourists accounting for 79.3 per cent of total arrivals. February saw 5.14 million arrivals, a 40 per cent year-on-year increase, attributed to the Chinese New Year holiday.

The Hong Kong Tourism Board released figures for visitor arrivals in January and February 2026. Mainland Chinese visitors accounted for 79.3 per cent of the total arrivals recorded over the first two months of this year. The total number of arrivals for February alone stood at 5.14 million, a 40 per cent increase from the previous year, with the Tourism Board attributing the rise to the mainland’s longer Chinese New Year holiday period and various mega-events hosted across the city. In terms of mainland arrivals that month, the figure represented a 53 per cent increase from February 2025. Last year’s Chinese New Year took place in January. A breakdown of the latest figures showed that visitor arrivals from non-mainland markets reached 2.06 million in the first two months of 2026, an 8 per cent year-on-year increase. “With notable results from long-haul markets, the number of visitors from Australia, France and Germany grew by 20 to 30 per cent year on year,” the board said.

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Illustration depicting diverse global tourists joyfully discovering China's landscapes, culture, history, and modern attractions amid record inbound tourism growth.
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China boosts inbound tourism services to attract global visitors

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Minister of Culture and Tourism Sun Yeli stated at a news conference on people's livelihood during the fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress that China is ramping up efforts to promote the integration of culture and tourism, sharing its landscapes, culture, history, and modern life with global visitors. In 2025, inbound tourist trips exceeded 150 million, up more than 17 percent year-on-year, while spending surpassed $130 billion, an increase of over 40 percent. Authorities will continue improving the full inbound tourism chain to make travel to China easier.

Hong Kong recorded 714,765 mainland Chinese visitors in the first three days of the Labour Day 'golden week' holiday from May 1 to 3, up 4.8% from last year. Total arrivals reached 854,929, slightly higher than 803,612 last year, though industry players noted uneven spending despite potential 90% hotel occupancy.

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During the 2026 Lunar New Year holiday from February 15 to 23, Thailand emerged as the top destination for Chinese outbound travelers, attracting about 250,000 visitors, an increase of 60,000 from the previous year. This surge followed flight restrictions and cancellations to Japan, which saw Chinese arrivals drop to 130,000, half the 260,000 from last year. The shift stemmed from ongoing political tensions between China and Japan.

Hong Kong's economy expanded 5.9% year-on-year in Q1 2026, its fastest quarterly growth in nearly five years and surpassing Financial Secretary Paul Chan's forecast of over 4%. Driven by private consumption and government spending despite Middle East tensions, the advance estimate from the Census and Statistics Department exceeded the 4% rise in Q4 2025. A government spokesman highlighted a positive outlook but noted regional risks.

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Mainland Chinese brands accounted for more than one fifth of new retail entrants in Hong Kong during the first four months of 2026, shifting focus from food and beverage to fashion, beauty and other categories.

Hongkongers crossed into Shenzhen in large numbers on the second day of the Easter holiday on Saturday, drawn by bargain-priced shopping, dining, entertainment, and new landmarks like a futuristic tech museum. Immigration statistics showed 532,023 residents had departed Hong Kong by 9pm, including many via land borders. Travellers highlighted mainland China’s broader selections and lower prices.

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China's foreign trade rose 18.3 percent year-on-year to 7.73 trillion yuan in the first two months of 2026, economists say this will underpin the country's growth target and provide stability for the global economy. Exports increased 19.2 percent, while imports grew 17.1 percent, reflecting improved global demand and domestic industrial strengths.

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