Hong Kong’s Census and Statistics Department reported on 2 January that retail sales by value grew 6.5 percent year-on-year in November 2025 to HK $33.7 billion (US $4.33 billion). While the headline figure reflects domestic consumption, officials emphasised that the bigger story is a 17.4 percent surge in inbound visitor arrivals to 4.19 million—equivalent to 85 percent of pre-pandemic traffic. Mainland Chinese tourists accounted for 3.04 million of the total, up 18.9 percent.
Travel-related categories benefited most: jewellery and luxury gifts rose 3.6 percent, while clothing and footwear advanced 2 percent. Economists at DBS Bank forecast that a sustained tourism rebound could add 0.7 percentage points to Hong Kong’s 2026 GDP, provided geopolitical conditions remain stable and the renminbi stays within a manageable band.
From a mobility standpoint, the data validate recent infrastructural investments—from automated e-Channels to high-speed rail capacity upgrades—that aim to process higher passenger volumes without lengthening queues. Airlines have responded by boosting regional frequencies, and Cathay Pacific says its mainland network will return to 2019 capacity by mid-2026.
![Inbound tourism lifts Hong Kong retail sales; 17 % jump in visitor arrivals recorded]()
Whether you’re among the inbound leisure visitors or managing corporate travel, VisaHQ can streamline the entry process. Its Hong Kong portal (https://www.visahq.com/hong-kong/) consolidates up-to-date visa rules, e-channel eligibility and China transit requirements, allowing travellers to secure documentation online in minutes rather than queue at consulates.
Corporate travel managers should note that hotel average daily rates (ADR) climbed 14 percent year-on-year in Q4 2025, with further increases likely as leisure demand collides with a growing calendar of trade fairs. Procurement teams may wish to lock in negotiated rates before the Canton Fair spill-over in April.
The government’s forecast for December retail performance—due next month—will offer a clearer picture of whether the upward trajectory can be sustained beyond the holiday season. Analysts expect double-digit growth, citing the strong start to January visitor arrivals.
Travel-related categories benefited most: jewellery and luxury gifts rose 3.6 percent, while clothing and footwear advanced 2 percent. Economists at DBS Bank forecast that a sustained tourism rebound could add 0.7 percentage points to Hong Kong’s 2026 GDP, provided geopolitical conditions remain stable and the renminbi stays within a manageable band.
From a mobility standpoint, the data validate recent infrastructural investments—from automated e-Channels to high-speed rail capacity upgrades—that aim to process higher passenger volumes without lengthening queues. Airlines have responded by boosting regional frequencies, and Cathay Pacific says its mainland network will return to 2019 capacity by mid-2026.
Whether you’re among the inbound leisure visitors or managing corporate travel, VisaHQ can streamline the entry process. Its Hong Kong portal (https://www.visahq.com/hong-kong/) consolidates up-to-date visa rules, e-channel eligibility and China transit requirements, allowing travellers to secure documentation online in minutes rather than queue at consulates.
Corporate travel managers should note that hotel average daily rates (ADR) climbed 14 percent year-on-year in Q4 2025, with further increases likely as leisure demand collides with a growing calendar of trade fairs. Procurement teams may wish to lock in negotiated rates before the Canton Fair spill-over in April.
The government’s forecast for December retail performance—due next month—will offer a clearer picture of whether the upward trajectory can be sustained beyond the holiday season. Analysts expect double-digit growth, citing the strong start to January visitor arrivals.
