Hong Kong tourism rebounds with 23.6m visitors in H1 2025

The city recorded 23.64 million visitors in the first half of the year, or a 11.7% YoY. 

Hong Kong’s hospitality sector is showing signs of renewed momentum as it enters the final third of 2025, supported by a combination of rising international visitation, major events, and new policy initiatives, according to Colliers.

In its report, the firm noted the city recorded 23.64 million visitors in the first half of the year, an 11.7% increase compared to the same period in 2024.

Of these, 11.28 million were overnight visitors, with long-haul and short-haul segments both seeing double-digit growth. Notably, non-Mainland overnight visitors rose 14.7%, suggesting a broadening of source markets and a healthier international mix.

Colliers highlighted several key drivers, including government Expressions of Interest for new eco and yacht tourism zones, along with high-profile events such as the Football Festival, Ani-Com & Games, and the Saudi Super Cup.

The launch of the “Hostels in the City” initiative on 21 July also played a role, offering streamlined approval pathways for converting hotels and office buildings into student accommodation.

Hotel occupancy across Hong Kong averaged 85% in the first half of the year, up from 83% a year earlier. However, revenue performance was impacted by ongoing rate pressure.

The average daily rate (ADR) fell 10.8% to $1,220, resulting in a decline in revenue per available room (RevPAR) to $1,037, down 8.6% YoY. Mid-scale hotels experienced the steepest rate decline, whilst luxury and four-star properties also saw ADRs fall around 9%.

Colliers noted some operators are offsetting lower rates through higher occupancy and more targeted strategies, including direct marketing and a focus on long-haul travelers.

On the investment front, over $3b in hotel transactions were recorded in the first half of the year, with growing investor interest in student accommodation conversions. Deals such as Hotel Ease Mong Kok ($435m) and The Henry ($185m) reflect this trend, along with the acquisition of a majority stake in Dash Living by Hillhouse Capital’s Rava Partners.

Looking ahead, events such as IHIF Asia, the Belt and Road Summit, CentreStage, National Day and Golden Week, and the 15th National Games are expected to support continued visitor traffic.