Hong Kong - Travel and TourismHong-Kong-Travel-and-Tourism
Overview
Note: Previous editions of this report have included a chart of market growth for this sub-sector. At this time, however, the Hong Kong Office of Travel and Tourism has ceased publication of related data.[1]
Hong Kong is unique in the outbound source travel market. In 2017, according to UNWTO, Hong Kong ranked 10th in the world in terms of international tourism expenditure. There are five major reasons behind this phenomenon: (1) Hong Kong is one of the most densely populated areas in the world, with a density of 7,075 people per square kilometer. There is also lack of domestic tourism, Hong Kong people often choose to spend their holidays outside of Hong Kong; (2) Hong Kong people have high spending power. Its GPD per capita at US$46,194 in 2017 ranked the 4th highest in Asia; (3) Hong Kong’s geographical location and excellent transportation infrastructure made traveling abroad easily; (4) Most people in Hong Kong speak English and hold the Special Administrative Region (SAR) passport, which entitles visa-free access to 162 countries and territories in the world; and (5) the Hong Kong government controls neither its people nor foreign exchange from leaving the territory. Due to these factors, Hong Kong residents traveling in the region and abroad for business and pleasure continue to rise. There lies good potential for promoting U.S. tourism.
Hong Kong is strategically located: it is within five hours’ flight from most cities in Asia and is less than two hours’ drive from Southern China. This proximity gives Hong Kong instant access to the affluent consumer market, with 166 million people in southern China alone. Hong Kong's Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement (CEPA) with China gives Hong Kong-based travel companies preferential treatment in China. Hong Kong’s world class integrated transportation infrastructure can better facilitate outbound travel. There are over 100 airlines operating around 1,100 flights per day to over 220 destinations worldwide, including 50 cities in mainland China. Many Asian travelers, especially those from mainland China choose to transit through Hong Kong.
China President Xi and former U.S. President Obama announced together that Year 2016 is the U.S.-China Tourism Year for both countries on tourism cooperation. With streamlined visa application process – where qualified travelers can apply for U.S. visa without interview and most applicants can get 10 years multiple-entries visa, visa processing is more straight-forward and attracting repeat travelers to USA. Brand USA has several offices in China and in Hong Kong, it represents stronger commitment and promotional efforts in this country. With airlines launched several new routes between U.S. and Hong Kong in the past few years, and expecting more to come, it makes USA destinations more accessible for Hong Kong travelers.
Hong Kong citizens tend to travel during public holidays such as Chinese Lunar New Year, Easter, and Christmas because an average worker only has 10-14 days of annual leave. The traveling seasons usually occur around these public holidays as well as the summer holidays. The summer months of June, July and August on average account for 30 percent of Hong Kong outbound travelers to the United States.
Various published statistics indicate that Free Independent Travel (FIT) accounts for a significant portion of Hong Kong and mainland China outbound travels. Cruise is a popular choice among families. Wine country tours have become very popular, especially among the Chinese travel market. Other specialty tours for diving, hiking, golfing, horse riding and skiing have also been quite successful. Outlet shopping is also an important element for many Hong Kong and mainland tourists.
International Travel Expo Hong Kong (annual):
www.itehk.com
Macao International Travel (Industry) Expo
www.cmitc.com
Industry Contacts
Travel Industry Council of Hong Kong
Website: www.tichk.org
For more information about this industry sector, please contact the U.S. Commercial Service in Hong Kong:
Ms. Kimmy Lee, Commercial Specialist
Email: kimmy.lee@trade.gov
Prepared by the International Trade Administration. With its network of more than 100 offices across the United States and in more than 75 markets, the International Trade Administration of the U.S. Department of Commerce utilizes its global presence and international marketing expertise to help U.S. companies sell their products and services worldwide. Locate the trade specialist in the U.S. nearest you by visiting http://export.gov/usoffices.
Note: Previous editions of this report have included a chart of market growth for this sub-sector. At this time, however, the Hong Kong Office of Travel and Tourism has ceased publication of related data.[1]
Hong Kong is unique in the outbound source travel market. In 2017, according to UNWTO, Hong Kong ranked 10th in the world in terms of international tourism expenditure. There are five major reasons behind this phenomenon: (1) Hong Kong is one of the most densely populated areas in the world, with a density of 7,075 people per square kilometer. There is also lack of domestic tourism, Hong Kong people often choose to spend their holidays outside of Hong Kong; (2) Hong Kong people have high spending power. Its GPD per capita at US$46,194 in 2017 ranked the 4th highest in Asia; (3) Hong Kong’s geographical location and excellent transportation infrastructure made traveling abroad easily; (4) Most people in Hong Kong speak English and hold the Special Administrative Region (SAR) passport, which entitles visa-free access to 162 countries and territories in the world; and (5) the Hong Kong government controls neither its people nor foreign exchange from leaving the territory. Due to these factors, Hong Kong residents traveling in the region and abroad for business and pleasure continue to rise. There lies good potential for promoting U.S. tourism.
Hong Kong is strategically located: it is within five hours’ flight from most cities in Asia and is less than two hours’ drive from Southern China. This proximity gives Hong Kong instant access to the affluent consumer market, with 166 million people in southern China alone. Hong Kong's Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement (CEPA) with China gives Hong Kong-based travel companies preferential treatment in China. Hong Kong’s world class integrated transportation infrastructure can better facilitate outbound travel. There are over 100 airlines operating around 1,100 flights per day to over 220 destinations worldwide, including 50 cities in mainland China. Many Asian travelers, especially those from mainland China choose to transit through Hong Kong.
China President Xi and former U.S. President Obama announced together that Year 2016 is the U.S.-China Tourism Year for both countries on tourism cooperation. With streamlined visa application process – where qualified travelers can apply for U.S. visa without interview and most applicants can get 10 years multiple-entries visa, visa processing is more straight-forward and attracting repeat travelers to USA. Brand USA has several offices in China and in Hong Kong, it represents stronger commitment and promotional efforts in this country. With airlines launched several new routes between U.S. and Hong Kong in the past few years, and expecting more to come, it makes USA destinations more accessible for Hong Kong travelers.
Sub-Sector Best Prospects
- Fixed itinerary themed-tours for groups
- Prepaid package tours for free independent travelers (FIT)
- Meeting, Incentive, Conference and Exhibition (MICE)
Hong Kong citizens tend to travel during public holidays such as Chinese Lunar New Year, Easter, and Christmas because an average worker only has 10-14 days of annual leave. The traveling seasons usually occur around these public holidays as well as the summer holidays. The summer months of June, July and August on average account for 30 percent of Hong Kong outbound travelers to the United States.
Various published statistics indicate that Free Independent Travel (FIT) accounts for a significant portion of Hong Kong and mainland China outbound travels. Cruise is a popular choice among families. Wine country tours have become very popular, especially among the Chinese travel market. Other specialty tours for diving, hiking, golfing, horse riding and skiing have also been quite successful. Outlet shopping is also an important element for many Hong Kong and mainland tourists.
Web Resources
Trade ShowsInternational Travel Expo Hong Kong (annual):
www.itehk.com
Macao International Travel (Industry) Expo
www.cmitc.com
Industry Contacts
Travel Industry Council of Hong Kong
Website: www.tichk.org
For more information about this industry sector, please contact the U.S. Commercial Service in Hong Kong:
Ms. Kimmy Lee, Commercial Specialist
Email: kimmy.lee@trade.gov
[1] https://www.trade.gov/press/press-releases/2018/international-trade-administration-announces-suspension-of-2017-i-94-overseas-arrivals-data-releases-040618.asp