Filipinos Are Hong Kong's Number One Tourist Market in 2024
There are many reasons to keep visiting the region.
(SPOT.ph) Miguel Linao, his wife Ana, and their three children were warmly surprised as they touched down at Hong Kong International Airport. ICYDK, Miguel Linao is officially recognized as the one-millionth Filipino tourist to visit Hong Kong this year.
If you ever needed proof that Pinoys love visiting the region, this is it. Here's how Filipinos are driving tourism in Hong Kong.
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Filipinos are among the top tourists in Hong Kong
"This isn’t our first trip to Hong Kong, but we never expected anything like this," Linao shared in a statement to the media. "We’re here to support our daughter in a gymnastics competition and, of course, to enjoy the sights. Hong Kong is always a quick and exciting getaway for us, just two and a half hours from home. We love the food, the theme parks, and the overall energy of the city. We all look[sic] forward to this trip," he added.
Linao is not alone. Many Filipinos love coming to Hong Kong for many reasons. Data from the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) reveals that from January to October 2024, Filipino visitors comprised 920,000 of the 2.3 million Southeast Asian arrivals, roughly 40% of all visitors for the year. This number doesn't include all the Filipinos working in the region's different formal and informal sectors.
"We are thrilled that Hong Kong has become the top travel destination for Filipino travelers," says Hong Kong Tourism Board Executive Director Dane Cheng.
Further analysis of HKTB shows that most Southeast Asian tourists are young and dynamic. They stay an average of 3.4 nights and spend about HKD 7,100 per trip or roughly P53,500.
Some of the most popular attractions visited by these visitors include theme parks like Hong Kong Disneyland and Ocean Park Hong Kong, vibrant markets like Temple Street and Ladies’ Market, and cultural landmarks such as the Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade, the Avenue of Stars, and the Clock Tower.
Hong Kong swiftly became one of the fastest-recovering tourism markets from the pandemic, especially in 2024. This year alone, the region has seen a whopping 127% increase in tourism arrivals compared to pre-pandemic levels.
Events to look forward to in Hong Kong this Holiday season
If you're planning a holiday trip to Hong Kong, you might want to read up. ICYDK, Hong Kong is holding its annual WinterFest until January 1, 2025. This festival includes a host of seasonal events, installations, and promotions designed to welcome travelers. Here are some of the must-not-miss happenings in Hong Kong this holiday season:
Christmas Town
Event Dates: November 24, 2025 to January 1, 2025
Location: Harbourside West Lawn, West Kowloon Cultural District, Kowloon
Christmas Town is Hong Kong's grand Christmas display. It features a giant Christmas tree, Santa meet-and-greet opportunities, and illuminated holiday displays that are bound to give you holiday cheer and keep the blues away.
Winter Harbourfront Pyrotechnics
Event Dates: November 22 at 7:30 p.m. and December 24 to 26 at 8 p.m.
Location: Waters off Harbourside, West Kowloon Cultural District, Kowloon
This 10-minute pyrotechnic display is bound to amaze guests of all ages as it lights up the Hong Kong skyline in a burst of color.
Hong Kong New Year Countdown Celebrations
Ring in the New Year in Hong Kong as Victoria Harbour takes centre stage for Hong Kong’s spectacular New Year’s Eve countdown. Catch an incredible fireworks display, with a variety of pyrotechnics launched from some of Hong Kong Island's most famous buildings, lighting up the skies and illuminating the waters below.
Aside from these major happenings, there is also a slew of Christmas-themed displays, shows, and promotions from popular destinations like Ngong Ping 360, Hong Kong Disneyland, Ocean Park Hong Kong, and many more.
"We know visitors from Southeast Asia love to come to Hong Kong to celebrate festive holidays, so we are stepping up our promotion of the Hong Kong WinterFest to entice more travelers to experience our city’s vibrant festive atmosphere,” says Cheng.
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