Saturday, January 4, 2025 Hong Kong’s tourism industry faces significant challenges, and recent leadership changes signal the need for a fresh approach. Chief Executive John Lee’s decision to replace the tourism minister in December was unexpected, but necessary given the city’s tourism struggles since 2018. To foster growth, new leadership must adopt innovative strategies to overcome the multifaceted issues affecting the industry.
In 2018, Hong Kong welcomed over 65 million visitors, but that number dropped sharply to under 34 million in 2023, with a slight rebound to nearly 40 million by the end of 2024. This decline can be attributed to several factors, including political unrest, the COVID-19 pandemic, and an exodus of expatriates. By comparison, other major Asian cities like Singapore have seen a robust recovery, with tourist numbers reaching over 15 million by late 2024, recovering more than 80% of pre-pandemic levels.
Tourism plays a crucial role in Hong Kong’s economy, supporting sectors such as retail, hospitality, and food services. Yet, many popular tourist areas have grown quieter, signaling the industry’s challenges. To reverse this trend, Hong Kong’s new tourism minister needs to rethink the city’s approach to attracting visitors.
One key issue is the diminishing cultural distinctiveness of Hong Kong. The city, historically known for its blend of Eastern and Western influences, has increasingly promoted Chinese culture, which has made it harder to .
