Hong Kong tops list as world’s favourite city for tourism

Despite decline in visitors from China, the city is still the most visited and striving to broaden its appeal. Also in top 5 most visited cities are Bangkok and Singapore

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Hong Kong morning looking towards a misty peak and West Kowloon. Photo: Martin Williams

Published: 6:30am, 26 Jan 2017Updated: 10:34am, 27 Jan 2017

Hong Kong has been named the world’s most visited city, but will be stepping up its quality of travel experience to keep visitors engaged.

The city has held the top spot since 2012. Despite a 3.9 per cent decline in international travellers from 2014 to 2015, Hong Kong clinched the top spot in Euromonitor International’s annual survey, based on international arrivals.

While a total of 27.8 million overnight visitors in 2014, official figures from Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) reveal that the total dropped to 26.5 million in 2016.

Hong Kong’s shopping and dynamic restaurant scene continue to lure travellers across the border. Although there has been a drop, mainland China still drives tourist figures, accounting for about 77 per cent of arrivals.

Chickens on sale at a shop in Wan Chai. Photo: Dickson Lee

“Hong Kong has historically been appealing to Chinese travellers, for its tax-free shopping and access to branded products,” says Euromonitor travel analyst Wouter Geert. “Hong Kong is also a major gateway in terms of flights, with many Chinese starting their international trips there.”