World's second most visited city sees tourist arrivals jump 12%, welcomes 31 million in 7 months

Hong Kong welcomed 31.22 million visitors in the first seven months of 2026, registering a 12% increase from the same period last year as strong international connectivity, airport expansion and a packed calendar of mega events continue to strengthen the city's position as a global tourism hub.

The surge in arrivals comes as Hong Kong expands its ability to host major exhibitions, conventions and sporting events while improving access through its international aviation network. The city is currently the world's second-most visited destination for international arrivals, after Bangkok, highlighting its continued importance in global tourism.

Hong Kong connected to more than 225 destinations

International connectivity remains one of Hong Kong's key advantages. Around 140 airlines currently connect the city with more than 225 destinations worldwide, giving travelers a wide range of direct and connecting flight options.


The extensive network also supports Hong Kong's role as a gateway to Asia and other international markets. Its aviation links have long been an important factor in attracting tourists, business travelers and visitors attending large-scale exhibitions and conventions.

Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po said Hong Kong has long been a preferred destination for major exhibitions and conventions, partly because of its extensive international transport links, according to China Daily.

"Hong Kong has long been a preferred destination for major exhibitions and conventions, partly because of its extensive international transport links."

Hong Kong airport expansion strengthens global position

Hong Kong is also investing heavily in aviation infrastructure as it seeks to strengthen its position against major international hubs such as Singapore Changi Airport and Dubai International Airport.

In May, Hong Kong International Airport completed the opening of its second passenger terminal as part of a US$14.5 billion expansion project. The investment is intended to increase capacity, improve efficiency and strengthen the airport's competitiveness in the international aviation market.

The opening of Terminal 2 provides additional capacity at a time when visitor numbers are rising. It also expands the airport's ability to accommodate a broader range of airlines and passengers.

Terminal 2 brings more low-cost airlines

Terminal 2 currently hosts 15 airlines, including several low-cost and regional carriers. These include AirAsia, IndiGo, Bangkok Airways, Cebu Pacific, Hainan Airlines and Cambodia Airways.

The presence of more low-cost carriers could make Hong Kong more accessible to travelers seeking affordable air connections. A broader airline mix also gives visitors more options when planning trips to the city.

The airport expansion therefore forms an important part of Hong Kong's wider tourism strategy, combining greater passenger capacity with an expanded network of airlines and destinations.

More than 130 mega events held in first half of 2026

Beyond aviation infrastructure, Hong Kong is using a busy events calendar to attract visitors throughout the year.

The city organized more than 130 mega events during the first half of 2026, covering sports, exhibitions and other large-scale international gatherings.

Among the events were the LIV Golf Hong Kong tournament, ComplexCon Hong Kong and the internationally recognized Hong Kong Sevens rugby tournament.

These events help attract international visitors while also increasing Hong Kong's visibility as a destination for sports, entertainment, business and cultural gatherings.

The Hong Kong Sevens, in particular, has an established international following and brings visitors from different markets to the city. Meanwhile, events such as LIV Golf Hong Kong and ComplexCon Hong Kong add different audiences to Hong Kong's tourism mix.

Events and connectivity drive visitor growth

Hong Kong's latest tourism figures point to the combined impact of its international transport network, airport investment and events strategy.

The city recorded 31.22 million visitors between January and July 2026, up 12% year over year. The increase indicates that Hong Kong continues to attract international travelers as it expands its tourism infrastructure and promotes a wider range of events.

Major exhibitions and conventions also benefit from the city's transportation links. For business travelers and international event participants, access to a large number of global destinations can be an important factor when selecting a host city.

Hong Kong aims to remain a global aviation hub

The US$14.5 billion airport expansion reflects Hong Kong's effort to remain competitive with other major aviation hubs. As international travel grows, airports are under pressure to accommodate more passengers while offering airlines additional capacity.

Terminal 2 represents a major part of this expansion. Its growing roster of airlines, including low-cost carriers, is expected to provide travelers with more choices while supporting the city's wider tourism ambitions.

Hong Kong's position as a gateway to Asia also gives its airport strategic importance beyond tourism. The extensive route network supports business travel, conventions, exhibitions and other forms of international activity.

Hong Kong tourism growth backed by infrastructure and events

The rise in visitor arrivals highlights the importance of combining infrastructure development with a strong events calendar.

Hong Kong's strategy brings together international air connectivity, expanded airport capacity, low-cost airline options and more than 130 mega events in the first half of 2026. Together, these factors are helping the city attract visitors with different travel purposes and interests.

With 31.22 million visitors already recorded in the first seven months of 2026, Hong Kong's latest tourism performance underscores its continuing role as one of the world's major travel destinations.