A survey held between Sep 25 to Oct 5 interviewed 1000 Hong Kong consumers aged 18 or above, and found 52% respondents positive about family finance in coming 12 months, a new height in 2024; and 44% expect higher income while 42% keep the same in coming year.

Quoting the Travel Industry Authority which responsible for travel agent licensing etc., media reported on Dec 3 there were then 27 package tour groups involving 405 tourists from Hong Kong in South Korea where there been a short curfew. These tour groups were staged by 5 Hong Kong travel agents.

In 2023, Over 20000 Chinese travelers visited Armenia, and the number rose to 11500 in the first half of 2024. There is now 2 direct flights each week between Armenia and China Urumqi.

Performance of China theme park industry as of October 2024 lower than in 2023, and secondary consumption like food and drink, souvenir and special experience products dropped by 10 to 30%.

From the Institute for Theme Park Studies in China in November this year, by the end of October 2024, China (mainland) had 385 theme parks of which 87 are large and extra-large scale. Among China’s theme parks, 22% still in red, 19% break even and 59% operationally profitable.

Quoting analysts from an international bank, media reported China’s domestic tourists spenabout US$616 billion in the first nine months of 2024, which about five times the total spending by international tourists in China in pre-pandemic 2019.

Chinese media reported on Nov 25 (mainland) Chinese citizens made around 95 million outbound in the first three quarters of 2024, which up 52% over same period last year and recovered to 83% of pre-pandemic 2019 level.

Over 2.2 million Chinese travelers visited Malaysia in the first 8 months in 2024, which up 160% comparing to same period last year. Malaysia projects arrivals from China may reach 5 million in 2025.

Comparing to same period last year, Chinese (mainland) arrivals to Saudi Arabia in the first half of 2024 up 29%.

Quoting China Tourism Research Institute, media reported in November this year China outbound in the first half of 2024 recovered to around 83% pre-pandemic 2019 level, and again became the world’s largest source market.

From UN World Tourism Organization, international travelers in the first 7 months of 2024 totaled 790 million, up 11% over 2023 and recovered to 96% pre—pandemic 2019 level. International travel business this year will likely surpass 2019 level.

To mainland Chinese travelers, Hong Kong remains their top destination for outbound holiday. In fact, some 50% respondents to above survey reported been to Hong Kong in 2024.

Held from May to October this year, a survey on (mainland) Chinese about their interest in outbound holiday interviewed 3563 individuals and 3787 families with monthly income over RMB30,000. It found in next year 45% respondents will cut down on number of outbound holidays and 57% will cut down on shopping expenses in trip.

In China (mainland), some 4.75 million couples got married in the first three quarters of 2024, which 0.94 million or 16.5% lower than same period in 2023.

Asian especially Chinese arrivals to Switzerland in the 2023/24 snow season already back to around 50% pre-pandemic level. In fact, Chinese tourists account for 1/4 of Swiss growth in foreign tourist arrivals in snow season.

Chinese arrivals to Switzerland in the first quarter this year contributed some 150,000 room-nights, up 92.2% over same period last year. In the 2023/24 snow season, Chinese arrivals to Switzerland by room-night already backed to 76% per-pandemic.

Chinese arrivals to Switzerland in the first 8 months this year contributed 768,000 room-nights, which up 50.6% over same period last year, and ranked top among Asian Pacific and Switzerland 6th largest market. Also, Switzerland projected the China market will fully recover after 2026.

The survey found 86% of Hong Kong and Macau respondents hope to see clearly labelled sustainable options when booking from online travel platform and 54% hope to receive sustainable travel recommendations.

The survey found 47% Hong Kong and Macau residents willing to pay more the sustainable travel products but which shall be within 5 to 10% more. Reasons for not willing to pay more include little understanding about sustainability.

Interviewed 9867 travelers from 109 countries and regions in different parts of the World, Trip.com reported 53% travelers from North Americas; 49% from Europe; 47% from Middle East, Africa and Latin Americas; and 32% from Asia Pacific not willing to pay more for sustainable travel products.

ITE Hong Kong conducted MICE Survey 2024 between Mar & May 2024, received 131 organizations / companies replied. 46% of respondents found sustainability is important for their selection criteria when sourcing suppliers, another 46% preferred but not compulsory and only 3% not considering this factor.

Quoting Trip.com, media reported on Oct 29 among Hong Kong and Macau travelers, 91% will consider choosing sustainable travel products and around 58% reported actually used or bought such products.

Number of Chinese tourists arriving Fiji in the first 9 months this year grew 26% over same period last year. Also, Fiji Air will, starting from October this year, keep three to five direct flights per week from Hong Kong to Fiji.

Comparing to 2023, arrivals from China to the three Scandinavian countries of Denmark, Norway and Sweden this year more than doubled.

This year, Chinese arrivals to Sweden by room-night totaled around 100,000 in the first 8 months, and will likely recover to 35% to 40% by the end of the year.

At present, Chinese tourists visiting Denmark recovered to around 40% and 50% pre-pandemic level, which expected reaching 150,000 by the end of this year.

HSBC survey found Hong Kong Z generation on average made 3 outbound holidays in past year, and spent a total of HK$35000 which some 13% of their income.

HSBC conducted a survey from June to July 2024, which interviewed 1253 residents aged between 18 and 34 (Generation Z) living in Hong Kong or other cities in the GBA. It found 71% respondents said “travel” among the most important drive which even higher than “buying an apartment” at 39% and “starting a family” at 34%.

Quoting Hong Kong Tourism Board, media on Oct 25 reported there are a total of 30 cruise lines to visit Hong Kong in 2024, providing around 150 sailings.

In the first 9 months of 2024, Hong Kong Express which Cathay subsidiary flied 50% more flights than and carried 55% more passengers than same period last year. It projects carrying 6 million passengers by the end of this year and reported bookings for coming Christmas and Chinese New Year rose 30%.

In the first 9 months of 2024, Cathay carried 16.55 million passengers, up 28.4% over same period last year; and including its subsidiary, Hong Kong Express, the Cathay group carried over 21 million passengers.

When Chinese tourists booked holidays for October Golden Week, they on average did so six days in advance which was shorter than the average of 6.8 days in 2023, from Trip.com data. Also, nearly 30% of them would depart the day before or the first day of holiday which 6% higher than in 2023.

For Chinese citizens living in first and second tiered cities, their top 20 outbound destinations for holidays during China’s National Day Golden Week this year include 12 long haul countries like UK, USA and Australia, which account for 37% of their outbound spending in that period, from Trip.com.

From Trip.com, top 10 outbound destinations for Chinese travelers during National Day Golden Week are Japan, Thailand, South Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam, Indonesia, UK, USA and Australia; while Brazil, Philippines, Mexico, UK and UAE are destinations with high growth rate.

From report issued by Trip.com, China major travel portal, on Oct 7, the daily averages of its bookings for the National Day Golden Week this year for both inbound and outbound are historical peaks and already surpassed those in 2019.

The Osaka World Expo, which will open on 13 April 2025, targets selling 14 million tickets. As of October 9 this year, some 7.14 million have been sold which just a bit over half of the total.

Quoting Trip.com a Chinese travel portal, media reported on Oct 8 its outbound bookings from fourth and fifth-tiered Chinese cities respectively grew 100% and 300%, while citizens from tiered one and two cities went further and spent more.

Quoting Trip.com a Chinese travel portal, media reported on Oct 8 its outbound travel bookings for National Day Golden Week this year on 12 long haul destinations like UK, USA and Australia etc., which among the top 20 destinations, accounted for 37% of all its outbound booking / spending.

On Friday the Oct 11, the first day of the long weekend of the Double Ninth Festival, nearly 600,000 Hong Kong residents or 8% the population departed from the city, which up 30% over last year, according to official statistics.

Quoting Fliggy a Chinese travel portal, media reported on Oct 8 its bookings for international hotels during that National Day Golden Week this year around 120% of the pre-pandemic 2019, which continue growing on the basis of a strong outbound recovery in last year.

Between January and August this year, over 26800 travelers from China visited Azerbaijan, which more than doubled number in the same period in 2023.

China’s night markets which been included in national monitoring system attended by 96.86 million visitors during the National Day Golden Week, up 25.4% over 2023 on daily average basis.

China’s domestic travelers during the National Day Golden Week this year totaled 765 million and they spent RMB 700.8 billion, which respectively up 5.9% and 6.3% over last year, and 10.2% and 7.9% over 2019.

These day-tripper visitors more often traveling with friends, visit GBA over 10 times a year, and prefer impromptu travel, mainly visiting exhibitions and shopping.

Quoting travel platform Flight Master, media reported on Sep 30 that China’s domestic air ticket prices expected to be 21% lower than in the same period in 2023, while airfares for international economy class will respectively be 25% lower than in 2023 and 7% lower than 2019.

Overnight Hong Kong visitors usually travel during long weekends or public holidays and, on average, make 2 to 5 visits per year. They are more likely to plan in advance and are more interested in sightseeing as well as experiences for family and sports.

Trip.com study found around half of Hong Kong visitors to GBA stayed overnight and the other 50% make day trip. For those overnight visitors, majority stay for one or two night and choose hotel costing between HK$200 to 600 per night.

Number of Hong Kong respondents who have been to the Greater Bay Area (GBA) in summer months of July and August this year grew by around 30% over same period last year, with Shenzhen, Zhuhai and Guangzhou their most popular GBA destinations.

Quoting Trip.com statistics, media reported on September 25 that 94% of Hong Kong respondents been traveled to (other cities of) the Greater Bay Area (GBA) this year, and among them over half for more than 6 times.

In July and August this year, Hong Kong residents respectively made 8.75 million and 9.38 million departures of which respectively 1.108 million and 1.056 million via the Hong Kong International Airport.

Hong Kong in the coming months will handle over 100 cruises, which up 50% over last year; This year, around 30 cruise lines will / did send ship to Hong Kong, which up 67% over 2023 and fully recovered from 2019.

From Hong Kong Culture, Sports & Tourism Bureau, so far this year the city handled some 220,000 non-local passengers which equivalent to whole year of 2023. The Bureau also project in whole year of 2024 will handle 50% more travelers than last year. Other than Kai Tak, Hong Kong has also another cruise terminal in city center.

No fewer than 54 cruise ships will dock at Hong Kong Kai Tak Cruise Terminal from October to April next year, averaging 6 to 10 per month. Some these cruise ships are big enough to carry some 4000 travelers.

In the summer months of July and August, China Eastern Airline operated some 24600 regional and international flights and carried 3.9536 million passengers, which respectively up 2.1% and 8.1% over same period in 2019.

In the summer months of July and August, China Southern Airlines, which operated some 16000 regional and international flights and carried 2.8 million passengers, and in aspects such as number of flight and number of passengers from China to some overseas destinations already surpassed the 2019 level.

Arrivals from China to New Zealand in July this year increased by 167,000 to 241,000, thus accounting for 12% of all arrivals for that month.

In the first six months this year, arrivals from China to New Zealand recovered to 57% of pre-pandemic 2019 level, but in June the recovery rate jumped to 72.4% which likely a strong indication of faster growth in near future.

On ranking various major expenses during retirement, 82% Hong Kong investors pick “meeting daily expenses”, 68% pick “medical emergency funding”, and 63% pick “entertainment and travel”, from above survey.

Quoting Fidelity’s survey on Asia-Pacific investors, media reported on September 5 Hong Kong investors prefer retiring at 63 years old, and their average monthly expenses after retirement are expected to be HK$24,000, which is about 60% of their current average monthly income of HK$40,000.

Civil Aviation Administration of China reported China airlines carried 140 million passengers in the summer months of July and August; averaged 2.289 million a day which up 17.7% over 2019 and 12.3% over 2023.

Civil Aviation Administration of China projected there will be around 6000 weekly international flights by the end of 2024, which recover to around 80% of 2019.

China’s aviation sector carried some 350 million passengers in the first half of 2024, which up 23.5% over same period in 2023 and up 9% over 2019, from media report on Sep 2.

For these 260,000 HSBC Travel Club members, their top five most popular destinations in past year are Japan, Taiwan, USA, UK and mainland China.

HSBC Hong Kong reported its Travel Club Member Scheme, which launched in September last year, now has 260,000 members, who in the past year each on average booked 12 times air ticket or hotel and their overseas billing 60% higher than ordinary card holders.

HSBC Hong Kong reported overseas billing by its credit card holders in the first half this year grew by double digits, while local billings grew by high single digit.

Quoting Trip.com, media reported in late August air flights cost less this summer with domestic down by around 10% and outbound by double digits comparing to last year.

Quoting Trip.com, media reported in late August bookings for study tours during this summer up 175%, of which numbers of participant for domestic travel doubled and for overseas grew 120%.

Quoting Trip.com, media reported in late August cost of flying during summer this year on average dropped 10% for domestic and by double digits for outbound flight.

Quoting Qunar.com, media reported in late August bookings of the China travel portal for international flight in summer 2024 already higher than in 2019, and flight and hotel prices cheaper than last year too.

In the period of 12 months from August 2023 to July 2024, Hong Kong International Airport handled 49.2 million passengers which doubled the year before, and 339,080 flights which grew 63.1%.

In China (mainland) 3.43 million couplies got married in the first half of 2024, down 14.5% over same period in 2023.

In summer period from July 1 to mid-August, over 280,000 incoming and outgoing travelers went through immigration at the Shanghai cruise terminal

In the first 7 months of 2024, Hong Kong international airport handled over 30 million passengers and 205830 flights, which respectively up 47.5% and 44.1% over same period in 2023.

1.27 million Hong Kong citizens visited Japan in the first half of 2024 which up 16.2% comparing to same period in 2019.

Around 1.40 million foreign tourists visited Vietnam in the first 5 months this year, and among them 357,000 came from China.

From UFI, 61% companies in global exhibition industry reported profit grow over 10% and 27% reported a stable one in 2023; while corresponding percentages for 2024 are respectively 47% and 39%.

In the first half of 2024, globally, half of the exhibition companies reported their level of operations have picked up while one-third were qualified as normal. Respectively, 59% North America companies and 50% Asia Pacific companies agree this trend will continue in the coming year, from UFI.

Revenue of the global exhibition industry project growing by 20% in 2023 and 17% in 2024 comparing to previous year, from UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry.

In 2023, a total of 6.487 million tourists visited Taiwan, among them 1.105 million from Hong Kong which thus Taiwan’s largest source market.

Quoting Paris official statistics, media reported on August 1 the projection that some 15.30 million visited Paris during the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, of whom 11.30 million specifically for the Olympic; and 86.7% tourists from various parts of France.

Media reported in late July China in the first half of this year had 23 cruise ships operating 206 journeys.

Media reported in late July globally cruise travelers in 2023 totaled 31.70 million; while the Cruise Lines International Association projects globally cruise capacity will keep growing between 2024 and 2028.

Quoting another research organization, Technavio, media reported on July 23 that the global river cruise market will in 2028 reach a market size of EURO 37.7 billion, which around 60% higher than the estimate for 2024 by Future Market Insights.

Quoting an American research organization, the Future Market Insights, media reported on July 23 that the global river cruise market will in 2024 grow to a size of US$25 billion, as demand by travelers of unique experiences keep growing.

Thailand projects at least 7.3 million Chinese tourists will visit Thailand in 2024, while the corresponding total in 2023 was 3.5 million.

Some 3.9 million Chinese tourist visited Thailand between Jan 1 and July 20 this year, which up 60% over same period last year.

From the same media report, globally international arrivals projected to grow by 2% in 2024 above 2019 levels, partly for enhanced air connectivity and continued recovery of China and other major Asian markets.

From the same media report, the world’s total tourism export revenues are estimated at US$1.6 trillion in 2023 which almost 95% of the pre-pandemic levels.

Quoting UN World Tourism Organization, media reported in June China which spent US$196.5 billion in 2023 ranked top spender of international tourism, to be followed by USA at US$150 billion, Germany at US$112 billion, the UK at US$110 billion, and France at US$49 billion.

From Trip.com, this summer Asian travelers visiting French cities outside Paris has grown by triple digits, reflecting the strong interest.

Trip.com data reveal Asian travelers visiting Paris this summer, when comparing with last year, extend their staying time by an average of 20%, and top among them are mainland China, South Korea and Hong Kong with mainland visitors the longest who extended 105%.

In the first half this year, Hong Kong Airport handled 25.30 million passengers, up 52.8% over last year. Authority confident passenger traffic during peak periods before the end of this year will fully recover to pre-pandemic level.

In June this year, Hong Kong International Airport handled 4.30 million passengers and handled 29590 arriving and departing flights, which respectively up 29.1% and 32.3% over same period in 2023.

With Olympics Game etc., booking of Chinese travelers to Paris during July and August this year rose 105% over last year, from Trip.com data.

Reflecting the fast growing popularity of experiencing luxury, Trip.com saw bookings of five-star hotels in France in the period from June to August this year by Hong Kong tourists rose 32% over same period last year.

From Trip.com, a major travel portal, bookings by Hong Kong tourist to Paris this summer, where international sport event will be held, more than doubled last year. Paris thus become the second most popular European destination of Hong Kong residents.

Hong Kong residents visited Japan in the first quarter this year on average each spent HK$ 13,000 which a drop of 1.9% over same period last year but up 56.2% over 2019.

The above survey found in the first quarter this year, on average, Hong Kong residents spent HK$4,583 on shopping which ranked top; and HK$3635 on lodging which ranked second; while food and drink ranked third.

In the first three months this year, Hong Kong residents on average stayed in Japan 6.2 days and spent around HK$12,355 during their stay there

In the first quarter of 2024, over 623,000 Hong Kong travelers visited Japan and spent there appx HK$7.8 billion, respectively up 23.5% and 86.3% over the same period in 2019.

Japan held a survey in the first quarter this year on foreign arrivals, which found nearly 70% of Hong Kong inbound been to Japan for at least 4 times, and 30% been to Japan for 10 times or more.

Some 1.03 million Hong Kong residents visited Japan in the first five months this year, which up 41.8% over same period last year.

Some 217,000 Hong Kong residents visited Japan in May this year, which up around 40% over same period last year.

Fares of China’s international flights during summer from June 29 to Aug 31 this year will rise some 33% over same period last year, from LY.COM, China’s major travel portal, on July 4.

Indonesia, which drew in 2023 some 788,000 Chinese travelers, hope to double the figure in 2024 according to media report in March.

In 2019, Chinese tourists spent over 3 million room-nights in Germany, contributed income of EURO 6 billion. Germany in the first quarter of 2024 found the China market already recovered to 63.1% of the 2019 level.

Of the 49.5 million departures by Hong Kong residents in the first half of 2024, around 89% or 44.2 million were to various parts of China while 5.3 million to other destinations.

Media reported on July 2, Hong Kong residents made 49.5 million departures in the first half of 2024, which up 72.5% over same period last year.

Switzerland projects Chinese tourists will contribute around 1.2 million overnight stays in the country in 2024, and Chinese arrivals increase by around 170% comparing to 2023.

In the first quarter of 2024, Chinese tourists spent over 150,000 room-nights in Switzerland, which up 92.2% over same period last year.

In 2023, Chinese tourists spent 0.81 million room-nights in Switzerland, which ranked top among Switzerland’s markets in Asia Pacific.

In China, 7.68 million couples got married in 2023. Spring the most popular wedding season as the first quarter at 2.147 million couples 11.8% higher than the quarterly average of 1.92 million.

1.97 million couples got married in the first quarter of 2024, which a drop of 0.18 million couples comparing to same period in 2023.

Quoting the study by a multi-national consultancy firm, media reported on June 10 that only 14% among those high-income mainland families who took outbound holiday last year are interested travel abroad again this year.

China's domestic travelers during the Dragon Boat Festival totaled some 110 million, up 6.3%, and these travelers spent RMB 40.35 billion, up 8.1%.

According to Qunar.com, in terms of the departure of international flights during the Dragon Boat Festival this year, China’s top ten outbound destinations are Thailand, Japan, Malaysia, South Korea, Singapore, USA, Indonesia, Vietnam, Australia and UK

From Qunar.com, a major travel portal in China, ticket sale of outbound flight during the Dragon Boat Festival this year went up more than 60% over same period last year.

More Hong Kong residents visited South Korea in the first quarter of 2024, which pushed up recovery to 82.9% comparing to the same period in 2019.

Around 440,000 Hong Kong residents visited South Korea in 2023, which recovered to 58% pre-pandemic level in 2019.

Comprising the 38th ITE (Leisure) and 19th MICE Travel Expo, ITE Hong Kong 2024 will be held from June 13 to 16 at Halls 1 of Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) with first two days for trade and last two for public.

Hong Kong residents made over 840,000 departures to mainland China on June 8 and 9, which the first two days of the Dragon Boat Festival Holiday.

Despite growing total profit, IATA said global airlines are also facing higher costs with per passenger profit at only US$ 6.14.

In its annual meeting, IATA on June 3 projected the global airline industry will generate in 2024 a total profit of US$30.5 billion, which higher than last year profit of US$27.4 billion.

In 2023, China already bounced back to Sri Lanka’s 5th largest source market. Based on data in early part this year, it is projected that arrivals from China to Sri Lanka may reach half a million in 2024.

In above survey, only 10% respondents will definitely not taking outbound travel this year, which in April and August 2023 were respectively 31% and 20%.

A marketing solution company surveyed in early March 1015 mainland Chinese travelers and found 63% respondents wish taking outbound holiday in 2024, and 10% definitely not which far lower than 31% in April 2023.

Quoting projection by the China Tourism Academy, media reported in end April China outbound in 2024 will reach 130 million which 84% of the pre-pandemic 2019.

In each pre-pandemic year, South Africa received around 100,000 Chinese tourists, and it targets attracting 54733 arrivals from China in the coming financial year, which up 57% over 2023.

In 2023, South Africa visited by 34811 travelers from China, up 216% which among the country’s fastest growing market; while Chinese arrivals in the first quarter of 2024 rose 82% which much higher than the 15.4% increase of the country’s all inbound in the same period.

According to iiMedia Research, mainland China’s study tour industry remains in growing phase from 2018 to 2026, and the market size is expected to reach RMB 242.2 billion in 2026.

According to Qichacha, which deliver data and analytics on Chinese companies, at present there are 35600 companies in China related to the business of study tour.

In pre-pandemic 2018, 50000 tourists from China, which among Cuba’s top 15 source market, visited the country. In 2023, around 18000 Chinese tourists visited Cuba.

Arrivals from China in the first quarter of this year totaled 786,000 which recovered to around 82% of figure in the pre-pandemic 2019, and they stayed in Singapore on average for 3.92 days.

According to above Report, other mainland cities in the list are respectively Shenzhen with 50300 millionaires and rank world’s 27th; Hangzhou with 31600 millionaires and ranked world’s 36th; Guangzhou with 24500 millionaires and rank world’s 46th.

According to above Report, the top three Chinese are respectively Hong Kong with 143,400 millionaires which rank world’s 9th highest, Beijing with 125,600 which rank world’s 10th highest and Shanghai with 123,400 which rank world’s 11th highest.

New World Wealth, an international market research organization just published jointly the 2024 World’s Richest Cities (the Report) by number of millionaire with liquid asset of at least USD 1 million available for investment. By number of cities in the top 50 league, USA with 11 cities rank top to be followed by China with 7 cities.

Arrivals from mainland China to Japan in March, which has no major holiday in China, totaled some 450,000.

In the first quarter this year, Chinese tourists spent in Japan an average per person of YEN 293,100 (RMB13700) and rank top among all Japan’s international arrivals.

A survey conducted between July and September in 2023 by the Renmin University of China found the average expenditure of a newly-wed couple on wedding was RMB334,400.

Hong Kong residents made around 680,000 departures between April 30 and May 3 at 10.00 am, though only May 1 is a public holiday and on that particular day departures by residents totaled some 195,000.

During the summer/autumn season this year which start on Mar 31 and end on Oct 26, media reported on early April some 122 domestic and foreign airlines plan operating weekly around 12656 passenger flights involving China (mainland) and 66 foreign countries.

Among the 28.2 million visitors targeted by the organizers of the 2025 World Expo in Osaka, which will open in April, 3.5 million coming from foreign countries. An adult ticket costs between 4000 yen and 6700 yen. Ticket sales started in end of November last year, and by April 17 over 1.5 million tickets been sold.

In 2023, around 264,000 Chinese travelers visited Philippines which account for 4.8% of the country’s total inbound. However, 1.74 million Chinese travelers visited Philippines in 2019.

The high-spending Hong Kong retiree group (monthly spending over HK$15000) spends an average of HKD23,671 per person per month, which a significant rise of HKD3,000 compared to the previous year and higher than the city’s average monthly salary in Q4 of 2023.

From IFPHK survey, Hong Kong retirees, on average, make a trip to the Greater Bay Area (GBA) once every two months, contributing an average of RMB1,350 per visit. which is more than double the average expenditure of RMB673 for an average Hong Kong residents, as reported by media in Shenzhen.

The Institute of Financial Planners of Hong Kong (IFPHK) released the “IFPHK Hong Kong Retirement Expense Index” in mid-April, which reveals that retirees spend an average of HK$14,700 per month, up by HK$1000 over the previous year. Also, retirees are increasingly indulging in travelling and cross-boundary trips.

According to the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, the city’s convention and exhibition industry already recovered to 70 – 80% pre-pandemic level at the end of last year, and to 90% in the first quarter of this year.

Hong Kong tourists on a per capita basis spent HK$12530 in Japan in the first quarter of 2024, which 19% higher than that of all foreign inbound at YEN209,000 (HK$10500).

In March this year, Japan drew over 3.08 million inbound visitors of whom some 231,4000 came from Hong Kong, which up 59.7% over same period last year, ranks Japan top 5th source market.

In the first quarter of 2024, Thailand welcomed 9.37 million incoming tourists, up 44% over last year, and the top five source markets are respectively China where came over 1.75 million tourists, Malaysia, Russia, South Korea and India.

Last September, Georgia offer visa free entry to Chinese travelers. In 2023, over 48000 Chinese tourists visited Georgia.

China’s domestic travelers during the Ching Ming Festival mini-Golden Week (3 days) this month totaled 119 million and spent RMB53.95 billion which respectively up 11.3% and 12.7% over same period in 2019.

The 2025 World Expo, which projects drawing exhibitors from 161 countries and regions and 28 million visitors, will open on 13 April 2025 in Osaka, Japan. End of last year, Osaka held a survey on 6000 people in Japan and found 34% intend visiting the Expo.

The growing FIT trend affecting business of Hong Kong outbound travel agents. Latest outbound levy (reflecting the city’s total outbound tour group revenue) only around half of pre-pandemic level! Higher air ticket and package tour prices likely result in seeing number of travelers down at least by half of the past level. Reported media which quoted the Travel Industry Council on Mar 20.

Quoting the Travel Industry Council Hong Kong, media reported on Mar 20 around 300 the city’s travel agents closed down during the pandemic years, but at the same time there were 200 new agents which mainly smaller in scale with fewer than 5 staff.

Media reported on March 27 bookings of HK Express flights during the coming holidays of Easter / Ching Ming reached 94% of seating capacity. At present, 1 in 4 of its passengers came from the Greater Bay Area.

HK Express, Cathay’s budget flight arm, carried nearly 1.3 million passengers in the first three months this year which close to 90% occupancy, and specifically over 0.5 million passengers in March.

Quoting from Travel Industry Council of Hong Kong, there were around 30 package tour groups from Hong Kong with a total of 900 tourists in Taiwan during the recent earthquake on April 3.

On March 29, the first day of the Easter Holiday, around 526,000 Hong Kong residents departed the city and among them 12.5% or some 66000 departed from the Airport.

In the five-day period from March 28 to April 2, around 2.29 million Hong Kong residents departed the city while those returned total only 1.9 million, and the difference of 384,000 means higher total of outbound by man-day.

The Easter Holiday this year in Hong Kong total 4 days starting on March 29 and ending on April 1. On April 2, media reported over 2.27 million Hong Kong residents, which around 30% the city’s population, departed the city in the 5 day period including March 28 and the Holiday.

The long Easter cum Ching Ming long holiday starts on March 29, but media reported Hong Kong travel agents saw bookings of package tours recovered only to around 70% and 80% but FIT booking of air ticket and hotel already over 20% pre-pandemic level.

The Travel Industry Council of Hong Kong projected around 500 package tour groups per day, which higher than the total during the Spring Festival, will depart the city during the coming Easter holiday. The above include those by plane and by land which constitute the majority.

Hong Kong Tourism Board project the city will welcome in 2024 around 46 million inbound travelers, up 35% over last year, who on average will stay 3.2 nights and spend HK$5800.

Bank of China reported Hong Kong holders of its credit card and its BoC Pay Account increased their spending in January this year in Mainland China by 100% and 400% respectively.

In 2023, over 53 million Hong Kong citizens visited mainland China which into this year remaining highly attractive! In Jan 2024, billing of Hong Kong holders of Bank of China credit card in supermarkets in the mainland doubled that in last year with per capita spending averaging around HK$1300.

China’s travel portal, Qunar.com reported bookings of solo travel by female travelers from Jan to mid-March rose to 11% from 6% in 2019.

In 2023, there were 7.68 marriage registrations in China which comparing to the total of 6.835 million in 2022, up 12.4%.

As at the end of 2023, 171 countries and regions had granted visa-free access or visa-on-arrival for Hong Kong SAR passport holders.

Hong Kong received over 1.45 million passport applications in 2023, doubling the total of a pre-pandemic year, which an indication of strong interest in outbound to overseas destinations as Hong Kong citizens can travel to mainland China and Macau using Home Return Permit and ID card.

China and Thailand visa free entry became effective on March 1. Data from LY.COM up to Feb 29, a major travel portal in China showed its flight bookings in the first 10 days of March from China to Thailand some 70% higher than in the same period in 2019.

Cathay projected its passenger flights will recover to 80% pre-pandemic level in the second quarter of 2024, and hopefully fully recover in the first quarter of 2025.

From China Civil Aviation Administration, there were 5389 pairs of international flight by all airlines to and from China in the period between Feb 12 and 18 this year (after Spring Festival Golden Week), which back to 70.7% pre-pandemic level.

Based on Trip.com booking data, Chinese media reported on Feb 19 top 10 outbound country destinations for Chinese tourists during the Spring Festival Golden Week this year are Thailand, Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, Australia, South Korea, Indonesia, Vietnam and UAE.

Quoting Trip.com, media reported on Feb 18 top popular overseas driving tour destinations for Chinese tourists during the Spring Festival are respectively Melbourne, Dubai, Kuala Lumpur, Phuket, Sydney, Bangkok, Oakland, and Abu Dhabi.

Quoting Trip.com, a leading China travel portal, media reported on Feb 9 the travel portal saw car booking for Spring Festival 2024 rose 20% comparing to last year, and 400% to 2019. Among these bookings, 40% package of air ticket and car rental.

From National Bureau of Statistics of China on Feb 29, outbound travelers from China (mainland) in 2023 totaled 100.96 million of whom 77.04 million visited Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan.

According to Airport Authority on March 1, passenger traffic at Hong Kong International Airport currently recover to around 80% pre-pandemic and will fully recover by the end of this year.

Quoting Vice President of Trip.com, media reported in late Feb China saw domestic tourism trade recovering to 80 / 90% in 2023 and at present outbound recovering to around 60% of 2019.

In 2023 review conducted in mid-February this year, Airbnb reported mainland China outbound travelers’ booking by room-night grew 90%, and projected size of mainland China outbound market by the end of 2024 will surpass that of 2019.

Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) projects globally cruise travelers in 2024 will total 35.70 million, which up 13.3% over the 31.50 million in 2023.

Hong Kong Financial Secretary on Feb 28, Hong Kong economy expanded 3.2% in 2023, and is expected to grow 2.5 to 3.5% in 2024.

A survey held by Hong Kong City University between Oct and Dec last year, which interviewed online 1418 Hong Kong citizens aged 20 and above, found only 25.7% respondents will reduce frequency of visiting Japan as a result of discharging nuclear contaminated water into the ocean.

On Feb 18, WeChat Pay HK reported big increases of its Hong Kong users in mainland China during the Spring Festival Holiday this year, specifically total number of transactions grew nearly 5 times while total amount of transaction grew over 3 times over last year.

In 8 days between Feb 10 and 17, 253,000 Hong Kong tourists visited Macau, accounting for 18.6% of Macau’s all inbound tourists in that period.

Overnight MICE visitors to Hong Kong on average spent HK$7200, which 20% higher than the average of all overnight inbound travelers.

In a press conference held on Feb 19, Mr. Yau Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development of Hong Kong SAR expressed his confidence that the city’s Exhibition and Convention industry will fully recover or surpass pre-pandemic level. This year, a total of 150 conventions and 160 exhibitions and perhaps more will be held in the two centres of HKCEC in the city centre and AWE in the airport.

Hong Kong airport in 2023 handled 39.5 million passengers or 55% of pre-pandemic 2019 level. In February this year, there are 4 domestic and 63 overseas airlines operated scheduled flights to and from Hong Kong, fewer than the 91 airlines in 2019.

In the Spring Festival Golden Week this year from Feb 10 to 17, China domestic travelers spent a total of 632.7 billion, up 47.3% over last year and up 7.7% over 2019.

In the Spring Festival Golden Week this year from Feb 10 to 17, China domestic travelers totaled 474 million, increase by 34.3% over last year and 19% over 2019. China’s current population is 1.41 billion.

A report published by a China travel portal, LY.COM on the country’s outbound trend said 63.9% of respondents explicitly replied they plan outbound travel and 40% even plan at least two such holidays in this year.

From report by China Tourism Academy on Feb 1, some 130 million Chinese travelers will make outbound trip in 2024 which back to around 80% level of 2019.

In the first 10 months of 2023, Greater China tourists made over 690,000 overnight stays in Switzerland or 41.6% of the 2019 level.

Switzerland project tourists from Greater China will in 2024 back to 80% the 2019 level, with Hong Kong market fully recover by the end of 2024 while mainland China by the end of 2025.

Our office will be closed from 12 Feb (Mon) to 13 Feb (Tue) for Chinese New Year Holiday. Normal business will resume on 14 Feb (Wed) 2024. Should you have any enquiries, please feel free to contact us via WhatsApp 852 69361271 or email to travel@tkshk.com

Quoting the consultancy firm, Tourism Economics, media reported majority of European countries saw tourist arrivals from China in the first half of 2023 still 60% below 2019 level.

In the first half of 2023, Chinese medical tourists spent in South Korea 3.4 billion Won on cosmetic surgery which ranked fifth, and 4.4 billion Won on dermatology which ranked third.

In the first half of 2023, foreigners spent a total of 250 billion won in South Korea on various medical expenses, of which plastic surgery accounted for 79.3 billion won.

In 2023, Chinese tourists spent in Singapore currency $2.3 billion thus ranked top, which followed by Indonesia at $2.2 billion and Australia at $1.5 billion.

In 2023, Singapore’s top three source markets by number of arrivals were respectively Indonesia with 2.3 million, China with 1.4 million and Malaysia with 1.1 million visitors.

Among all Chinese tourists to South Korea, 69% choose visiting Seoul; but among those aged between 20 and 30, nearly 30% prefer visiting Jeju and 15% Busan as destination.

Quoting Trip.com, media reported on Jan 29 room rate paid by Chinese tourists to South Korean hotels on average doubled that of pre-pandemic 2019.

Some two weeks before the Chinese New Year, Trip.com reported big jumps over last year in bookings by Chinese tourists for holiday to SE Asia during the Spring Festival Golden Week. Specifically, 13 times for Thailand and Singapore and 22 times for Malaysia.

Arrivals from China to Thailand in 2023 totaled some 3.5 million which far lower than the pre-pandemic figure of 11 million Chinese arrivals, according to media report in early Jan. Thailand welcomed 28 million inbound tourists in 2023.

From UNWTO in early January, globally the total number of international tourists in 2023 would likely reach 88% of 2019 level; while that for 2024 will likely exceed that of 2019 if recovery in Asia continue at its present rate.

In early January 2024, China has around 4600 international flights per week to and from the country, and the figure will reach 6000 by the of this year, according to the Civil Aviation Administration of China.

Some 34 million inbound travelers visited Hong Kong in 2023, which back to around 55% pre-pandemic; but arrivals in last Dec reached 4 million which 65% pre-pandemic.

Hong Kong can provide over 100,000 hotel room which currently have occupancy rate of around 80%, and room rate in 2023 averaged HK$1300 which still below 2018 and 2019 level.

In 2023, Hong Kong tourists spent an average of YEN212,000 or HK$11,260 per person per trip which include 31.3% on shopping, 31% on lodging, 25.1% on food and drink etc.

In the whole year of 2023, Hong Kong residents made a total of 72.2 million departures, which recovered to 76.8% of pre-pandemic 2019 level; and Dec 23 a record day with over half a million departures from the city.

A total of 424 million travelers went through in 2023 China (mainland) borders, and among them mainland residents 206 million, up 219%; Hong Kong and Macau residents 183 million, up 293%; and foreigners 35.5 million, up 693%.

2.11million Hong Kong citizens visited Japan in 2023, spending YEN 479.6 billion / HK$25.4 billion, and ranked Japan’s 4th largest market.

China Tourism Academy has forecasted that China’s domestic tourists in 2024 will reach total 6 billion and generate a total of RMB 6 trillion tourism revenue.

China Tourism Academy has forecasted that China’s inbound and outbound tourist arrivals in 2024 will reach total 264 million and generate a total of international tourism revenue US$107 billion.

In 2023, around 9.18 million Hong Kong residents departed from the city’s airport with peak months in July, August and December.

For skiing holiday, the survey found 39% Hong Kong skiers choose Japan, 30% choose Switzerland, and 29% Canada.

For skiing holiday, the survey found 40% Asia Pacific skiers choose Japan, 39% choose Switzerland, 27% Canada and 24% mainland China.

For skiing holiday, the survey found on average these Asia Pacific travelers start planning 3 to 4 months before departures. Those from mainland China and South Korea only around 1 month earlier, while those from Singapore and Malaysia from 4 to 6 months earlier.

For skiing holiday, the survey found on average these Asia Pacific travelers stay for 8 days in Asia Pacific skiing resort, and as long as 12 days for European Skiing resort.

From media report on Jan 4, Club Med interviewed over 3500 Asia Pacific travelers regarding skiing holiday, and found that Travelers from Hong Kong and Malaysia have the highest spending budget per day per person at 588 EUR, Taiwan at 499 EUR, South Korea at 276 EUR and Japan at 250 EUR.

China’s top five cities / provinces by number of families with net worth of or above RMB 10 million are respectively Guangdong Province (307,000 families & population of 126.6 million); Beijing City (306,000 families & population of 21.8 million), Shanghai City (271,000 families & population 24.8 million), Jiangsu Province (216,000 families & population 65.8 million), and Hong Kong City (215,000 families and 7.49 million people).

From Hurun Report, China has some 5.18 million families with net worth of or over RMB 6 million, 2.11 million families with net worth of or above RMB 10 million, and some 138,000 families with net worth of or above RMB 100 million.

The survey found 36% respondents will maintain spending level similar to Christmas last year, 31% will cut back and 21% will spend more; and also found residents slightly increase budget for Christmas spending.

A survey which interviewed 1060 Hong Kong citizens aged 18 or above by phone between Dec 4 and 14 found during Christmas this year, 21% respondents will take overseas holidays, 56% will stay in town and remaining 23% were undecided or no comment.