Both Hong Kong and Macao have declared that their tourism sectors have fully rebounded to pre-COVID and pre-2019 unrest levels, with each region hosting over 1.4 million and 1.3 million inbound visitors, respectively. Analysts attribute this recovery to the enhanced security, stability, and public order, emphasizing these elements as crucial to regaining tourists’ confidence.
Despite Hong Kong’s larger population and geographical area compared to Macao, the latter has achieved comparable tourist numbers, sparking discussions on the role of unique tourist attractions and Macao’s earlier enactment of national security legislation under its Basic Law. Some analysts suggest that when Hong Kong completes its anticipated Basic Law Article 23 legislation, similar sustained peace and economic potential will be unlocked.
During the Chinese Lunar New Year golden week, Hong Kong recorded around 1.436 million inbound visitors, with approximately 1.255 million mainland residents. This surpassed the visitor numbers during the May Day Holiday and National Day Golden Week in 2023, indicating a positive trend in tourist arrivals. Meanwhile, Macao reported 1.358 million inbound visitors during the national holidays, with a daily average exceeding 129,000—a significant 243 percent growth compared to the Chinese Lunar New Year national holidays in 2023.
Professionals in the Hong Kong tourism industry attribute the successful recovery to the stabilizing effect of national security legislation. They stress the importance of completing the Basic Law Article 23 legislation in 2024, anticipating that it will contribute to sustained peace, supporting long-term economic recovery.
Experts note that Macao’s developed transportation infrastructure facilitates day trips, contributing to its bustling tourism scene. Increased people-to-people exchange within the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area is seen as a positive development, fostering mutual respect, understanding, and friendship.
Timothy Chui Ting Pong, executive director of Hong Kong Association, acknowledges the challenges faced by Hong Kong in recent years but highlights the city’s unique cultural characteristics, which continue to attract tourists. Dicky Yip, chairman of the Hong Kong Tourism Practitioners Union, emphasizes the significance of national security legislation in restoring confidence, urging the completion of the Basic Law Article 23 legislation for sustained peace and stability.
Tourists visiting Hong Kong during the national holidays observed a more peaceful and stable environment. However, some noted crowded attractions and higher costs during peak tourist season, suggesting considerations for future visits during off-peak times.