Filipinos lead Southeast Asian travel boom to Hong Kong with 1.2m visits in 2024

Hong Kong solidified its status as a premier travel destination for Filipinos, attracting 1.2 million visitors from the Philippines in 2024 - the highest among Southeast Asian nations, according to the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB). This figure represents around half of the 2.4 million arrivals from the region, underlining the Philippines as a key tourism market for the city.

The HKTB hailed the milestone as a "record-breaking achievement." Speaking at a reception in Taguig City, HKTB executive director Dane Cheng expressed excitement over Hong Kong's continued appeal among Filipino travellers.

"As we look forward to 2025, we have no intention of slowing down - we remain committed to staying one step ahead and providing visitors with a million reasons to explore Hong Kong," Cheng said, as quoted by government-owned Philippine News Agency.

Don't miss: HKTB and Muslim representatives elevate HK as a Muslim-friendly travel hub

Southeast Asia has become Hong Kong's fastest-recovering visitor source market. In 2024, arrivals from the region rebounded to 95% of pre-pandemic levels, showcasing a strong resurgence in travel demand.

Among the notable moments in this growth was the arrival of Hong Kong's one-millionth Filipino visitor in November 2024. Miguel Linao, travelling with his wife Ana and their three children, shared his family's deep appreciation for the city's diverse offerings.

"My wife and I, we love the food and the modern vibe of Hong Kong. And then for our kids, of course, there's the theme parks. So, we just walk around the city endlessly, get lost in the city, but then it's also easy to find your way back," Linao said.

From January to October 2024, Filipino visitors accounted for 920,000 of the 2.3 million arrivals from Southeast Asia.

Hong Kong's vibrant attractions continue to attract Filipino tourists. Local markets, including Temple Street and Ladies' Market, attract those seeking unique finds and authentic street shopping experiences. Meanwhile, the Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade, with highlights such as the Avenue of Stars, the Clock Tower, and the Hong Kong Cultural Centre, offers a scenic and cultural experience that appeals to many visitors.

Overall, Hong Kong welcomed 44.5 million arrivals in 2024, with over half of these visitors coming from mainland China. The city's continued focus on enhancing its tourism offerings and easing travel accessibility has cemented its status as a prime destination for global travellers.

According to the Hong Kong Legislative Council, Hong Kong has been actively promoting itself in ASEAN and Middle Eastern markets, organising familiarisation trips, partnering with trade representatives, and launching large-scale overseas promotional campaigns.

Tourism has long been a key driver of Hong Kong's economy, contributing 4.5% to its GDP before the pandemic and supporting over 250,000 jobs. The industry began its recovery in February 2023, with visitor numbers steadily climbing as travel resumed.

Related articles:
STB and MAG look to drive travel demand from Malaysia to Singapore
Survey: 37% of Indonesians positive about Saudi Arabia as a travel destination
Study: 46% of HK employees choose travel as a stress-reliever