Hongkongers made 2.73 million outbound trips over the Christmas holiday period, about 11 per cent more year on year than in 2024, but an industry leader reported a boost in local nightlife business amid lacklustre food and beverage sales noted by other experts.
The Immigration Department on Monday said the number of departures between December 23 and 28 totalled 2.73 million, compared with 2.36 million over the same period last year.
Christmas Day and Boxing Day fell on Thursday and Friday this year, giving Hongkongers a four-day weekend.
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Outbound trips peaked on Christmas Day at 664,660.
Chin Chun-wing, chairman of the Hong Kong Bar and Club Association, said on Sunday that the industry recorded a 10 per cent year-on-year increase in business over the holiday period, fuelled by a vibrant festive atmosphere and a notable rise in visitors from Europe and the United States.
Although Christmas is not a public holiday in mainland China, government data showed the number of trips from the mainland to Hong Kong during the six days from December 23 rose by about 10 per cent from last year. Non-mainland arrivals also increased by around 8 per cent to 280,850.