Survey finds 40pc of international tourists favor Hong Kong's natural attractions

More than 40 percent of international visitors identify natural attractions as their primary destination when visiting Hong Kong, according to a survey conducted by Junior Chamber International Hong Kong.

The organization interviewed over 300 overseas travelers from 35 countries and regions to understand their preferences among 75 local attractions.

It was highlighted that the attractions were categorized into five groups, including eco-tourism sites, culinary, retail, and leisure establishments, arts and cultural venues, iconic landmarks, as well as historical and heritage sites.

The survey indicated that 41 percent of respondents preferred ecological attractions as their top travel category in the city, followed by 18 percent who opted for iconic landmarks and around 15 percent who favored arts and cultural venues.

Regarding popular eco-tourism destinations, nearly 80 percent of overseas tourists chose Sai Kung, while 70 percent selected Tai O.

Meanwhile, around 40 percent of respondents chose Hong Kong's renowned hiking trails, known as the "Four Trails," which include the MacLehose, Wilson, Hong Kong, and Lantau trails.

The organization noted that tourists are shifting from traditional travel preferences to nature-based experiences, suggesting the tourism industry should adapt to this trend and offer travel products accordingly.

In addition, the organization surveyed 800 Hong Kong citizens and found that 27 percent of them would recommend culinary, retail, and leisure establishments to visitors.

Around 24 percent of Hongkongers recommended eco-tourism sites, while 19 percent suggested historical sites, it added.