Mainland visitor numbers jump 72 % during extended New Year break, Immigration data show

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.



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.