Seizing Opportunities From Overnight Visitors as Tourism Recovery Continues

Jonathan Lamport is the Chamber's Legco Representative Recently, I have been preparing my first interim work report, reviewing my experiences in the Legislative Council over the past six months. Previously, I approached most matters from a business perspective. However, as a legislator who has undergone half a year of intensive council training, I have learnt to examine issues from a more macro viewpoint. Balancing the concerns of various stakeholders while putting forward feasible policy recommendations has enabled me to grow rapidly, broaden my horizons and develop a more comprehensive thought process.

During my election campaign last year, I discussed various topics with Chairman Kam, particularly the need to drive economic recovery and optimise Hong Kong’s business environment. Subsequently, at the Annual General Meeting, he suggested that we devote greater effort to attracting tourists to stay and spend more in our city. We explored a range of relevant strategies with several General Committee members. Fully aware that every opportunity to question the Government is precious, I carefully considered the most optimal angle to pursue. Following discussions with my team, we concluded that the issue of tourism spending was of the utmost urgency and warranted prompt follow-up by the authorities.

To this end, I raised a question in the Council regarding recent tourism performance indicators. Last year, overall visitor arrivals to Hong Kong increased by 12% year-on-year, yet the number of overnight visitors only grew by 6%. While transport arrangements following post-mega events have been convenient, they have failed to drive overnight stays and boost consumption. According to the authorities’ reply, per capita spending by overnight visitors increased only marginally from $5,490 in 2024 to $5,503 in 2025, and is projected to rise by a further $27 to $5,530 in 2026. In contrast, spending by same-day visitors fell from $1,235 in 2024 to $1,139 in 2025, with a similar trend expected this year. The growth in visitor arrivals without a corresponding rise in consumption is a cause for concern.

This data serves as a wake-up call for the business sector to take timely and proactive action. The industry must leverage its innovative spirit to devise strategies that encourage overnight visitors to stay longer and spend more. If we work together to elevate the tourism experience, achieving a per capita spending target of $7,000 per capita will no longer be beyond reach. Furthermore, I understand that foreign investors have expressed strong interest in developing resort hotels on our outlying islands. In the long run, actively developing the “Island Economy” is undoubtedly a positive and worthwhile direction for Hong Kong to pursue.