Hong Kong's festive season thrived without its traditional New Year’s Eve fireworks display, as tourism representatives reported vibrant visitor activity and hotel occupancy reaching around 90 percent over Christmas.
The Immigration Department anticipates approximately 11.52 million passenger trips through the city's border checkpoints over the Christmas and New Year holiday period.
Hong Kong Tourism Association Executive Director Timothy Chui Ting-pong highlighted a notable surge in arrivals from mainland China and international markets—particularly Japan and Southeast Asia—during a radio program on Thursday.
Chui stressed that the fireworks cancellation has not noticeably reduced the city's attractiveness, with most visitors drawn to the overall festive vibe.
He mentioned receiving positive feedback on various attractions, including the Christmas markets in Central and West Kowloon.
Visitors opting for longer stays
Highlighting the high hotel occupancy, Chui revealed that hotels along both sides of Victoria Harbour are likely to be fully booked on Christmas Eve, with most guests staying for three to four nights.
Although room rates increased by about 10 to 15 percent over the Christmas period, he explained that the adjusted prices incorporated the new hotel accommodation tax, keeping them reasonable and promoting longer stays.
“Fiery demand” of outbound travel
In addition to the influx of inbound tourists, Chui described the demand for outbound travel as "fiery," estimating that at least one million Hong Kong residents have traveled abroad since the Winter Solstice.
He recalled a packed waiting area at West Kowloon high-speed rail station as evidence of strong public interest in holiday travel.
