Given the stability and security associated with government jobs in Hong Kong, often referred to as “iron rice bowls”, Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu’s decision to replace tourism minister Kevin Yeung Yun-hung in December was a surprising and unexpected move. But with the city’s tourism industry facing many challenges, the change was necessary to signal a fresh start.
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To address the multifaceted issues that have hindered Hong Kong’s tourism growth since 2018, new minister Rosanna Law Shuk-pui should develop fresh strategies. Considering the limited success of mega-events, the government should instead foster collaboration with the private sector in Hong Kong and other Asian countries to boost tourism for the region, not just the city.
Hong Kong welcomed more than 65 million tourists in 2018, but less than 34 million in 2023 and barely 40 million in the first 11 months of last year. Many factors, including the 2019 political demonstrations, the Covid-19 pandemic quarantine measures, and the exodus of expatriates and foreign residents, have led to this decline.
In contrast to Hong Kong’s slow post-pandemic recovery, tourism numbers in other major Asian cities have rebounded strongly. Singapore, for example, attracted more than 15 million visitors in the first 11 months of 2024, over 80 per cent of its 2018 total.
Tourism is a critical sector in Hong Kong, driving economic growth and creating jobs across several industries including retail, hospitality and food services. It is worrisome therefore to observe that many bustling neighbourhoods in Hong Kong, which once thronged with tourists, have quietened down.
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Shop occupancy recovers in Hong Kong, but vacant stores still visible across the city
Shop occupancy recovers in Hong Kong, but vacant stores still visible across the city
Several challenges are changing the landscape of Hong Kong tourism.