Hong Kong welcomes 1.8M visitors in nine-day Lunar New Year surge

HONG KONG – Hong Kong’s Immigration Department has confirmed that 1.77 million visitors entered the city between 15 and 23 February, with a staggering 1.5 million arrivals from mainland China.

The influx peaked at 241,000 visitors on the second day of the Lunar New Year, overwhelming popular sites such as the Tsim Sha Tsui harbourfront and West Kowloon Cultural District and prompting authorities to deploy crowd-management ambassadors at key bottlenecks.

Border Points Overwhelmed as Officers Cancel Leave

The Express Rail West Kowloon Control Point handled the highest inbound volumes, followed closely by the Lok Ma Chau Spur Line.

To manage the unprecedented crowds, frontline immigration officers had their leave cancelled, ensuring all available booths were operational during peak hours.

The surge demonstrates Hong Kong’s enduring appeal as a festive destination, particularly for mainland travelers seeking shopping, dining, and cultural experiences during the holiday period.

Retailers Rejoice as Luxury Spending Soars

The visitor wave translated into brisk business for Hong Kong’s retailers, particularly in the luxury segment.

Jewellery and luxury watch sales surged, buoyed by strong mainland spending on gold to mark the Year of the Horse.

The spending spree provided a welcome boost to the retail sector, which has been working to regain momentum following years of pandemic disruption.

Hotel Rates Jump 18% as Rooms Tighten

Corporate travel managers reported that flights and hotel rooms tightened considerably around the peak dates, with average daily room rates climbing 18% compared to the previous year.

Companies planning incentive trips or regional meetings in the first quarter are being advised to book early or consider mid-week slots when border crossings typically ease.

The accommodation squeeze underscores the importance of advance planning for business travelers during major holiday periods.

Hong Kong’s Visa-Free Advantage

The influx also highlighted Hong Kong’s strategic role as a visa-free springboard for executives combining mainland meetings with international itineraries.

For travel planners navigating documentation for dual-destination trips, streamlined visa services can secure China permits in days, removing administrative headaches when flights and hotels are already at a premium.

Residents Headed Out in Record Numbers

While visitors flooded in, local residents made 3.95 million outbound trips over the same period, creating a net population outflow that underscores the pressure on lift capacity in both directions.

The dual movement of travelers highlights Hong Kong’s position as both a destination and a departure hub, with aviation infrastructure working overtime to accommodate demand in both directions.

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