The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) recently announced its provisional figures show that the total number of visitor arrivals for 2007 has surpassed 28 million, representing an increase of more than 10 per cent over the same period in 2006.
Latest figures also show that the total expenditure associated to inbound tourism (TEAIT) is likely to break 2006’s record of $15 billion, rising beyond $16.6 billion. Based on the current estimates, per capita spending by overnight arrivals will likely be around $653, as compared with $614 in 2006. As for same day in town visitors, their average per capita spending increased from $130 in 2006 to around $140 in 2007.
HKTB chairman James Tien said that the 2007 results were testament to Hong Kong’s enduring appeal as a destination in the face of ever growing competition.
“Last year we received some excellent support from the government, the travel trade and all sectors of the community,” Tien said. “We’re especially encouraged that besides the strong performance of mainland China, the growth was spread across different international markets, with all three long-haul regions exceeding their 2006 levels and many of our key source markets achieving their best results ever.
“The prospects for 2008 look positive, although we know we’re up against even more intense competition,” Tien continued. “We’ll continue our effort to achieve a balance of visitors from all key markets, in keeping with Hong Kong’s cosmopolitan image, and grow the high yield segments. We’ll also work closely with the travel trade, including our partners in the mainland and Macau, to make Hong Kong an essential component in all combo and multi-destination itineraries.”
All market regions achieved positive gain in 2007. In particular, double-digit increases were registered for the regions of mainland China, Europe, Africa, the Middle East, Australia, New Zealand and South Pacific, as well as for the high potential markets of South Korea and the Philippines, and such emerging markets as Russia and the Middle East.