visitor arrivals

Visitor arrivals are a key driver of Hong Kong's economic recovery. Recent data indicates a significant positive impact, with retail sales in April rising by 8.6% year-on-year, extending a 12-month recovery trend. This growth is directly attributed to increased visitor numbers and associated holiday spending. Consequently, Hong Kong has revised its full-year economic growth forecast upwards to a range of 3.5 to 4.5 percent for 2026. This optimistic outlook, up from a previous forecast of 2.5 to 3.5 percent, is supported by both buoyant external trade and resilient domestic demand, with visitor arrivals playing a crucial role in bolstering the retail sector. The continued influx of visitors is therefore of significant current relevance, underpinning the city's economic performance and contributing to its strongest half-yearly economic results in five years.