Around 21 million people visited Hong Kong in the first six months of 2024, up 64 percent compared to the same period last year, the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) announced on Tuesday.

More than three-quarters, or 16.1 million, were from the Chinese mainland, representing a year-on-year increase of nearly 60 percent.

Non-mainland arrivals also surged 80 percent to reach five million during the period.

Non-mainland arrivals surged 80 percent to reach five million during the first six months of 2024

Visitor arrivals in June alone rose 14 percent year-on-year to 3.13 million.

Overnight visitors accounted for 50 percent of the arrivals, staying 3.2 nights on average.

According to the survey conducted by the HKTB, tourists were generally satisfied with their trip to Hong Kong. On a scale of 10, overnight visitors from January to May this year scored 8.7 out of 10 in terms of satisfaction. Their intention to revisit Hong Kong and rating of recommending Hong Kong reached 94 percent.

The tourist boom comes along with the Hong Kong government’s efforts to drive its mega-event economy. Officials announced that more than 100 large-scale events will be held in the city in the second half of 2024.

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The tourist boom comes along with the Hong Kong government’s efforts to drive its mega-event economy. Officials announced that more than 100 large-scale events will be held in the city in the second half of 2024

According to the government, these include 42 large-scale conferences, 25 artistic and creative activities, 15 sports competitions, 13 functions related to finance, the economy and the innovation and technology sector, and 11 festive events.

Among the much-anticipated gatherings are Hong Kong Fashion Design Week, the Wine & Dine Festival, and the WBSC Baseball5 World Cup.

Deputy Financial Secretary Michael Wong said in May that the events are expected to draw about 1.7 million visitors who are likely to spend some HK$7.2 billion ($1 billion) in the city.

With a steady rise in inbound tourist numbers, Hong Kong high street rents across districts saw modest single-digit growth in the second quarter, according to real estate service firm Cushman & Wakefield.

Of the key retail districts, Tsim Sha Tsui has seen greater tourist numbers and consumer footfall, bringing a drop of 1.2 percentage points in the vacancy rate to 10.6 percent over the second quarter.

Observing the shift in tourist preferences from shopping-centric trips to more immersive experiences,  Kevin Lam, executive director and head of retail services for Hong Kong at Cushman & Wakefield, highlighted that the city has the capacity to integrate a mega-event economy with elements of culture, sports, retail, and dining.

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This integration would enhance the distinctiveness of the travel experience in the city, subsequently assisting the retail market in overcoming obstacles, he said.