Hong Kong Visitor Arrivals in January 2006

Hong Kong's visitor arrival numbers reached 2.18 million in January 2006, 15.6% more than in 2005. The increase reflects Hong Kong’s growing appeal during the Lunar New Year period, which is becoming a more and more popular time to visit for leisure. This partly results from the close collaboration between the HKTB and its travel trade partners in packaging and promoting the festive activities, including the International Chinese New Year Night Parade, to travellers worldwide.

Arrivals from Mainland China grew by 24.3%, while those of the international markets increased by 4.4%. Double-digit growth was registered in the high-growth market of Australia (10.5%), as well as such high-potential markets as the Philippines (16.2%) and South Korea (13.2%), and emerging markets as the Netherlands (18.9%) and New Zealand (11.9%).

Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) Executive Director Clara Chong said that the January arrivals provided a solid start to 2006. “We believe our new attractions and Mega Events will offer visitors even more reasons to come to Hong Kong in 2006 Discover Hong Kong Year, to stay longer and to spend more,” she remarked. “As well as sustaining the growth of the high-volume contributors, we’ll continue to develop the high-growth and high-potential markets through integrated marketing and promotions under the 2006 Discover Hong Kong Year campaign.

“We’re nevertheless mindful of the many potential challenges ahead and will continue to closely track markets and arrival trends, and adjust our strategies accordingly,” Ms Chong said.

January 2006 Overall Arrival Statistics

Tourism arrivals to Hong Kong reached 2,188,816 in January, a year-on-year increase of 15.6%. The growth was spearheaded by the 1,324,888 arrivals from Mainland China, which represents a 24.3% increase over the same month last year.

Among other strong regional performers, Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific grew by 11.5% (57,455) and Taiwan registered an increase of 11.1% (182,465). More modest growth was seen from Europe, Africa and the Middle East (7.1%, 128,487) and South and Southeast Asia (2.6%, 168,788), while the Americas and North Asia showed slight falls of 1.1% (119,062) and 4.3% (162,325) respectively.

Aside from the Mainland and Taiwan, key individual markets showing double-digit growth in January included Indonesia (23.3%), Macau (21.4%), the Philippines (16.2%), South Korea (13.2%) and Australia (10.5%). Secondary and emerging markets such as the Netherlands (18.9%) and New Zealand (11.9%) also performed well.

January 2006 Arrivals by Markets

Mainland China provided 1,324,888 arrivals in January, 24.3% more than in the same month in 2005. Individual Visit Scheme (IVS) arrivals numbered 697,950, 52.7% of all Mainland visitors and 49.6% more than in the same month in 2005.

January arrivals from Taiwan grew by 11.1% to 182,465.

South and Southeast Asian arrivals reached 168,788 in January, 2.6% more than in the previous year. Individual markets in the region showing the strongest growth were Indonesia (23.3%), the Philippines (16.2%) and Malaysia (9.6%).

Arrivals from North Asia dipped by 4.3% to 162,325 in January, owing to the 12.4% decline in visitors from Japan. This was partially offset, however, by a 13.2% rise in arrivals from South Korea, which continued its strong performance.

Among key long-haul regions, Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific was the best performers in January, growing by 11.5% to 57,455. Arrivals from Europe, Africa and the Middle East rose by 7.1% to 128,487, while those from the Americas showed a modest 1.1% slippage to 119,062.

January 2006 Same-Day In-Town Visitors

Some 62.6% of all visitors to Hong Kong in January stayed in the city for at least one night, compared with 64.4% in the same month last year. The remaining 37.4% were classified as “same-day in-town” visitors, either returning home or departing for another destination on the same day as arrival.

Most long-haul visitors stay one night or more, with Australia, New Zealand and South Pacific having the highest percentage of overnight arrivals, at 81.5%.

January 2006 Hotel Occupancy

Hotel occupancy across all categories of hotels and tourist guesthouses in January was 85.0%, a three percentage-point fall compared with the 2005 figure. This partially reflects the 2.8% increase in Hong Kong’s room supply during the past 12 months. 

Visitors’ most favoured geographic location in January was Yau Ma Tei/Mong Kok, where hotels recorded an occupancy rate of 90%.

The average achieved hotel room rate across all hotel categories and districts was HK$1,029, 13.6% higher than in January 2005.

See also: Hong Kong Visitor Arrivals in 2005 pass 23 million 

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