The Tourism Board has announced that the provisional figure for visitor arrivals in June was 3.13 million, marking a 14% increase year on year.
Cumulatively, about 21 million visitors arrived in Hong Kong in the first half of 2024, representing a 64% increase year on year.
(Source: news.gov.hk)
Overnight visitors accounted for 50% of all visitor arrivals during the period, while the meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions (MICE) tourism sector showed particular vibrancy.
Tourism Board Director and Business Development Team Lead (MICE) Phoebe Shing outlined that in the first half of 2024, Hong Kong received 700,000 MICE travellers. This amounted to about 80% of the number in the same period of 2018, making MICE travel the fastest recovering visitor segment in Hong Kong.
(Source: news.gov.hk)
Each overnight MICE visitor spent an average of $8,000 in Hong Kong, which is about 20 to 30% higher than the average per capita spend of all inbound overnight visitors. MICE visitors stayed in town for 3.7 nights on average, higher than the average of 3.2 nights for all overnight visitors.
Half of the overnight MICE visitors came from international markets, compared to 25% of all overnight visitors. Ms Shing said this indicates that the MICE sector is helping to attract more international tourists to Hong Kong.
(Source: news.gov.hk)
The Government highlighted that more than 210 mega events are being held throughout 2024, across a wide range of fields such as culture, art, and sports.
Together, these events are anticipated to attract approximately 1.7 million visitors to Hong Kong, bringing in $7.2 billion in consumption revenues and adding approximately $4.3 billion to the local economy.
(Source: news.gov.hk)
The Government said mega events not only bring business opportunities but also enhance Hong Kong’s international status and image, by attracting tourists from all over the world to experience the vitality of Hong Kong.
Meanwhile, in the recently announced “Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2024” list, a bar in Hong Kong took the top award. Hong Kong had four bars in the top 10, more than any other city, confirming its top-ranking status on the Asian bar scene.
(Source: news.gov.hk)
Hong Kong Customs celebrates International Customs Day 2025
Officiated by Deputy Commissioner of the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Mr Pan Yundong and the Commissioner of Customs and Excise, Mr Chan Tsz-tat, a reception in celebration of International Customs Day (ICD) 2025 was held by Hong Kong Customs at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre today (January 21).
The World Customs Organization (WCO) set the theme of this year's ICD as "Customs Delivering on its Commitment to Efficiency, Security and Prosperity", highlighting the crucial and diverse roles of Customs in streamlining customs clearance procedures, safeguarding society safety, and fostering economic growth.
The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, delivered a pre-recorded speech to express his appreciation for the unwavering dedication of Hong Kong Customs in shaping Hong Kong into a world city and trade hub. He emphasised that under the "one country, two systems" principle, Hong Kong enjoys both the China advantage and the global advantage. He expressed his confidence that Hong Kong Customs will continue to promote international co-operation and enhance Hong Kong's roles as a "super connector" and "super value-adder" between the Mainland and the world.
In his speech, Mr Chan elaborated on the diverse responsibilities of Hong Kong Customs in streamlining clearance procedures, facilitating trade and ensuring the well-being and safety of society. He also highlighted the significance of Hong Kong Customs' role as the Vice-Chairperson for the Asia/Pacific region of the WCO, underscoring Hong Kong's proactive and leading role in global customs affairs. Mr Chan said that Hong Kong Customs would continue to tell good stories of Hong Kong to a worldwide audience, and will remain committed to contributing to the overall development of the country and the Chinese modernisation process.
Hong Kong Customs became a member of the WCO in 1987, and ICD has become an annual event of Hong Kong Customs ever since. At the celebration reception, Mr Pan presented WCO Certificates of Merit to Hong Kong Customs' officers and business stakeholders in recognition of their remarkable contributions to various customs affairs pertinent to the theme of ICD.
Over 300 guests, including officials of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, members of the Executive and Legislative Councils, representatives of various offices of the Central People's Government in Hong Kong and Customs administrations of the Mainland and Macao, Consuls-General, foreign Customs attachés, as well as private stakeholders, attended the reception.
Hong Kong Customs celebrates International Customs Day 2025 Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Hong Kong Customs celebrates International Customs Day 2025 Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Hong Kong Customs celebrates International Customs Day 2025 Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Hong Kong Customs celebrates International Customs Day 2025 Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases