From Pandemic Slump to Record Highs: Hong Kong’s Tourism Revival 🌆
Hong Kong’s tourism sector has smashed expectations in 2025, welcoming 45 million visitors in just 11 months – already topping last year’s total! 🎉 The city’s neon-lit streets, revamped cultural festivals, and smart tech upgrades (think AI-guided heritage walks) are drawing crowds globally. But what’s the real secret sauce? ‘We’re blending tradition with innovation,’ says Rosanna Law, Hong Kong’s culture and tourism chief, in an exclusive chat with CGTN.
National Synergy & Night Markets 🥟
Aligned with China’s 15th Five-Year Plan, Hong Kong is doubling down on its role as a ‘super connector’ between the Chinese mainland and global markets. New cruise terminals and mega-events like October’s #DragonGate food festival (featuring viral chili-oil dumplings 🥵) are fueling the boom. Law highlights sustainable tourism goals too: ‘By 2026, 30% of our hotels will be zero-waste.’
K-Pop Meets Cantopop 🎤
Youth travelers are flocking to Hong Kong’s hybrid culture scene. August’s EastWave Music Fest saw K-pop stars collaborate with local indie bands – a TikTok sensation with 500M views. ‘Gen Z doesn’t want passive trips,’ Law notes. ‘They crave immersive stories.’ With 2026’s Lunar New Year parade already planning drone dragons 🐉, Hong Kong’s comeback story is just getting started.
