Hong Kong is experiencing a vibrant resurgence in tourism, with a notable 10% year-on-year increase in mainland Chinese visitors during the first five months of 2025. The city’s rich lineup of cultural events, sports tournaments, and entertainment offerings has helped draw both mainland Chinese and international tourists, marking a strong recovery for the tourism industry. Financial Secretary Paul Chan highlighted this growth in his recent blog post, revealing that the city welcomed an estimated 20 million tourists between January and May. Mainland visitors made up a significant portion of this influx, accounting for around 75% of total arrivals, while overseas tourists also increased by 18% compared to last year.

A major catalyst for this uptick in tourism has been Hong Kong’s busy schedule of major events, including high-profile concerts, sports matches, and arts festivals. These events have not only attracted local attendees but also drawn international visitors, especially from neighboring regions like the Greater Bay Area. With more concerts, sports tournaments, and cultural exhibitions scheduled throughout the remainder of 2025, Hong Kong is positioning itself as a prime destination for tourists seeking dynamic experiences.

This article explores the key drivers of Hong Kong’s tourism growth and highlights the strategic events and developments contributing to its revival.

Tourism Recovery Driven by Major Events

Hong Kong’s recovery in tourism is being fueled by an impressive roster of major events across various sectors, ranging from entertainment to sports and the arts. The first half of 2025 has seen the city host a diverse mix of performances and competitions that have sparked significant interest, both regionally and globally. In particular, events held at the Kai Tak Sports Park have been a major attraction, with popular musical concerts and sports tournaments helping to drive visitor numbers.

Concerts That Captivated Audiences

One of the most impactful contributors to this tourism surge has been the city’s concert scene. Over the past few months, Hong Kong’s Kai Tak Sports Park has played host to several high-profile acts, including the world-famous Coldplay band, Nicholas Tse (a beloved cantopop star), Mayday (a renowned Taiwanese rock band), and JJ Lin (a celebrated Singaporean musician). These concerts have drawn large crowds, with many fans traveling from across Asia to experience these iconic performances in person. The ticket demand has been so high that many of these concerts quickly sold out, underscoring the immense popularity of live music events in Hong Kong.

Sports Events at the Forefront of Tourism Growth

In addition to music, sports tourism has also contributed significantly to Hong Kong’s tourism boost. The Hong Kong Sevens rugby tournament in March 2025 attracted international sports enthusiasts, while the Manchester United football friendly brought in large crowds from both within and outside the region. These sports events provide not just entertainment, but also a sense of community and shared passion for fans, further enhancing Hong Kong’s appeal as a sports tourism destination.

The continued hosting of sports events, coupled with upcoming tournaments and matches scheduled for the second half of the year, positions Hong Kong as a key player in global sports tourism. The vibrant atmosphere and accessibility of sports venues, such as Kai Tak Sports Park, make it a top choice for sports fans and tourists seeking action-packed experiences.

Cultural and Arts Events Boosting Visitor Numbers

Beyond music and sports, Hong Kong’s commitment to cultural tourism is evident through events like the Art Basel international art fair and the Hong Kong Pop Culture Festival. These cultural events are crucial in attracting visitors from around the world, especially those keen on experiencing the city’s thriving art scene and diverse cultural heritage.

Art Basel in March saw a wealth of art collectors, critics, and enthusiasts descend upon Hong Kong to view cutting-edge exhibitions and network with international artists. Similarly, the Pop Culture Festival, which opened in April, celebrated Hong Kong’s pop culture heritage, drawing fans of the city’s iconic film industry, music, and visual arts. These events have helped position Hong Kong as a premier destination for art lovers and culture enthusiasts.

Hong Kong’s International Appeal: Drawing in Mainland and Overseas Tourists

While much of the growth in Hong Kong’s tourism has been driven by mainland visitors, the city is also witnessing a rise in international arrivals. According to Paul Chan, the increase in international tourist numbers — particularly from the Greater Bay Area — underscores Hong Kong’s appeal as a regional hub. Many visitors from mainland China come to Hong Kong specifically to attend major events or experience unique cultural offerings.

The city’s reputation for hosting high-end cultural experiences and its status as a major international financial center make it a compelling destination for tourists from other parts of Asia, including Southeast Asia and the Middle East. Hong Kong is also seeing a rise in visitors from Europe and North America, drawn by the city’s blend of modernity, history, and vibrant cultural scene.

Special Attractions and Hong Kong’s Iconic Neighborhoods

In addition to the major events, tourists are increasingly exploring Hong Kong’s neighborhoods and countryside, enjoying its scenic views, shopping, dining, and cultural landmarks. From the iconic skyline of Victoria Harbour to the tranquil beauty of Lantau Island, the diversity of experiences available in Hong Kong continues to be a draw for travelers.

One of the key attractions for many tourists, especially those from Southeast Asia, has been the city’s halal food offerings, making Hong Kong an attractive destination for Muslim tourists. The city has embraced multiculturalism by offering a wide variety of religious and cultural experiences, such as visiting religious sites, shopping for local handicrafts, and sampling diverse cuisines from around the world.

Government Support and Strategic Initiatives for Tourism Growth

To ensure that this growth in tourism continues, the Hong Kong government has been proactively investing in the promotion of the city as a global travel destination. Paul Chan announced that more than HK$1.2 billion would be allocated to the Hong Kong Tourism Board to enhance efforts in attracting high-end visitors from Middle Eastern and Southeast Asian markets.

The government is also focused on drawing luxury travelers, particularly those from the Middle East, by promoting Hong Kong as a city where both cultural and shopping experiences cater to the affluent traveler. Initiatives include the introduction of exclusive events, better visa options, and enhanced tourism infrastructure to make it easier for international visitors to travel to and explore Hong Kong.

Additionally, Hong Kong continues to promote its diverse shopping options, including high-end malls, designer boutiques, and local markets that offer unique and authentic products. These offerings align with the rising demand for luxury shopping experiences, further cementing Hong Kong’s reputation as a top destination for those seeking premium goods.

Xiaohongshu’s Expansion: Enhancing the Experience for Mainland Tourists

A key development in Hong Kong’s tourism strategy is the opening of Xiaohongshu’s first office outside of mainland China. The popular Chinese lifestyle app, which has over 300 million monthly active users, is known for influencing tourism patterns, especially among young mainland Chinese tourists. Xiaohongshu’s office in Hong Kong aims to enhance cross-border brand collaborations and improve services for mainland tourists. The app has become a key tool in helping businesses in Hong Kong promote themselves to mainland consumers, especially in the food, shopping, and lifestyle sectors.

While Xiaohongshu is praised for its ability to drive tourism and spending, it has also highlighted some challenges, such as customer service issues that could impact the city’s image. However, the government and businesses are working to address these concerns to ensure that mainland Chinese tourists have a positive experience.

Conclusion: A Bright Future for Hong Kong Tourism in 2025 and Beyond

Hong Kong’s tourism industry is experiencing a dynamic and exciting revival, driven by a combination of major events, cultural attractions, and sports tourism. With a strong focus on attracting high-end visitors from both mainland China and beyond, the city is positioning itself for continued success in 2025 and the years to come. Through strategic investments in infrastructure, event planning, and marketing, Hong Kong is poised to remain a key player in the global tourism market, offering something for every type of traveler, whether they are seeking luxury, culture, or sports.

With its diverse range of attractions and events, Hong Kong is set to continue drawing in both regional and international visitors, ensuring that the city’s tourism sector remains a vibrant contributor to the economy.