Fresh Immigration Department statistics reveal that 659,090 mainland tourists entered Hong Kong between New Year’s Eve and 3 January, representing 79 % of the 836,544 total tourist arrivals and a 72 % increase on the same period last year. The surge reflects Beijing’s decision to extend the mainland holiday to three days, giving travellers more time for short-haul trips.
Hotel operators welcomed the influx—average room rates rose by single digits—but retailers reported only modest sales gains as budget-conscious mainlanders focused on sightseeing over luxury shopping. Labour unions said frontline staff observed more “window-shoppers than big spenders”, suggesting that spending patterns remain altered in the post-pandemic economy.
![Mainland visitor numbers jump 72 % during extended New Year break, Immigration data show]()
At this juncture, it is worth noting that VisaHQ’s Hong Kong platform (https://www.visahq.com/hong-kong/) can simplify visa and entry-permit formalities for both individual travellers and corporate assignees, providing end-to-end application support that lets visitors spend less time on paperwork and more time enjoying—or doing business in—the city.
Tourism scholars argue that Hong Kong must diversify its product mix to convert high footfall into higher per-capita spend, pointing to experiential attractions in the West Kowloon Cultural District and East Lantau as under-leveraged.
For firms moving staff into the city this quarter, the data are a reminder that hotel availability tightens sharply around mainland public holidays; mobility managers may wish to negotiate flexible check-in dates or serviced-apartment contingencies.
Hotel operators welcomed the influx—average room rates rose by single digits—but retailers reported only modest sales gains as budget-conscious mainlanders focused on sightseeing over luxury shopping. Labour unions said frontline staff observed more “window-shoppers than big spenders”, suggesting that spending patterns remain altered in the post-pandemic economy.
At this juncture, it is worth noting that VisaHQ’s Hong Kong platform (https://www.visahq.com/hong-kong/) can simplify visa and entry-permit formalities for both individual travellers and corporate assignees, providing end-to-end application support that lets visitors spend less time on paperwork and more time enjoying—or doing business in—the city.
Tourism scholars argue that Hong Kong must diversify its product mix to convert high footfall into higher per-capita spend, pointing to experiential attractions in the West Kowloon Cultural District and East Lantau as under-leveraged.
For firms moving staff into the city this quarter, the data are a reminder that hotel availability tightens sharply around mainland public holidays; mobility managers may wish to negotiate flexible check-in dates or serviced-apartment contingencies.
