Hong Kong’s event calendar has been packed, sustaining strong momentum in the tourism sector. The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) announced that in March, 4.35 million visitors came to HK, a 14% year-on-year increase. In the first quarter, visitor arrivals totaled 14.31 million, up 17% year-on-year.

The HKTB said that the share of international visitors in March was higher than before, which it believes was linked to multiple major international arts and cultural events held during the month.

The Hong Kong Sevens will kick off tomorrow (April 17). Multiple hotels in HK have launched accommodation offers for the tournament to attract visitors. Inquiries made by Ta Kung Pao reporters to several hotels showed that one hotel near Kai Tak Sports Park said that bookings during the event period are already very tight. Industry figures said that more rugby fans have begun arriving in HK in recent days, and they estimate hotel booking rates during the tournament will reach about 90%. They also said room rates are expected to rise by double digits compared with usual weekend or holiday pricing.

Of the visitors in March, mainland visitors accounted for 73%, or about 3.187 million, while visitors from outside the Mainland made up about 27%, or around 1.168 million. The HKTB said the increased share of international visitors is believed to have been driven by major international arts and cultural events in the first quarter, including Art Basel, Art Central, and ComplexCon Hong Kong. It said year-on-year growth in the first quarter is mainly benefiting from the run of large-scale events staged in HK in recent months, together with the cumulative effects of tourism promotion during the Chinese New Year holiday period. In addition, air capacity in HK in the first quarter grew steadily year-on-year, and HK also welcomed multiple international cruise ships, helping long-haul markets see visitor arrivals rise by 19% year-on-year, reaching 990,000 visits.

Rugby event draws big crowds, hotels almost fully booked

This year marks the 50th edition of the Hong Kong Sevens, which is expected to attract rugby fans from around the world. More than 130,000 tickets have already been sold. Several hotels have rolled out tournament-exclusive accommodation packages. Ta Kung Pao reporters browsed the websites of and made phone inquiries to more than 10 hotels. Hotels’ nightly rates range from HK$1,300 to HK$1,800. Some packages offer complimentary upgrades to higher room categories, include free self-service breakfast, provide panda plush toys, and offer free single-trip shuttle bus service between the hotels and Kai Tak Sports Park.

Inquiries were made as a customer to book rooms. Hotels in Kai Tak and Tsim Sha Tsui, for this and next two nights, reportedly have only a small number of rooms left. Booking conditions are described as highly active. A hotel staff member in Kai Tak said that for tonight and tomorrow night, only three rooms are currently available for booking. “Because there are events at Kai Tak Sports Park during these days, room bookings will definitely be hot. It is expected to be fully booked very soon.” A staff member at a hotel in Tsim Sha Tsui said that while there were still some rooms available last night, the hotel expects demand to quickly surge to full capacity. “If you plan to stay, you should decide as soon as possible,” the staff member said. A hotel in HK Island East launched an accommodation plan, and its first day bookings were fully sold out.

Golden week approaching, tourism market outlook remains positive

A spokesperson for Sino Hotels said in its response to Ta Kung Pao that the HKSAR government is actively promoting the Mega Event Economy. Under the leadership of the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Rosanna Law, the HKTB has rolled out various promotional initiatives to attract more visitors. With the 50th anniversary of the Sevens and many tourists visiting HK, its hotel bookings this weekend are “more ideal than expected.”

Timothy Chui, executive director of the Hong Kong Tourism Association, told Ta Kung Pao that in March, driven by multiple international arts and cultural events, the overall occupancy rate of medium and small hotels reached 80%. Benefiting from the Sevens, hotel occupancy is expected to reach 80% or above, especially hotels across HK Island and Kowloon, whose operations are closer to full capacity. He said the industry will then prepare for the upcoming May Day Golden Week. Many mainland visitors are expected to stagger their travel and arrive earlier. It is expected that from April 26 onward, visitors will begin coming to HK for the Golden Week. He said he is very optimistic about the outlook for the tourism market.

Lawmaker Edward Leung said that in March, multiple events attracted many visitors to HK, and hotels across different districts benefited. Occupancy rates exceeded 90%, and hotel room rates recorded double-digit increases compared with usual weekend rates. Benefiting from the Sevens, booking rates for member hotels located in HK, Kowloon and the airport area are expected to exceed 90%, with room rates also seeing double-digit growth compared with usual weekend rates.

He said many hotels have also launched promotions such as flight-plus-hotel packages, as well as deals offering Sevens tickets with reservations for premium suites or sea-view rooms. With May also featuring Golden Week and Mother’s Day, he said he is optimistic about the market conditions for both tourism and the catering industry.

(Source: Ta Kung Pao)

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