Hong Kong Hits Milestone with One Million Filipino Tourists in 2024

Photo courtesy: ABS-CBN News Hong Kong Tourism Board Executive Director Dane Cheng welcomes Miguel Linao (center) and his family as the millionth Filipino visitors to Hong Kong.

MANILA , Philippines — Hong Kong has officially welcomed its one millionth Filipino tourist for the year, marking a milestone in the territory's tourism recovery.

The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) celebrated the arrival of Miguel Linao, his wife Ana, and their three children, recognizing them as the one-millionth Filipino visitors in 2024. This achievement surpasses the 930,000 Filipino tourists recorded in 2018, highlighting the Philippines’ pivotal role in Hong Kong’s tourism revival.

A Key Market for Recovery

From January to October 2024, Filipino visitors accounted for 920,000 of the 2.3 million Southeast Asian arrivals, representing a 127% recovery compared to pre-pandemic levels, the HKTB noted.

"The Philippines has a growing role as one of the key markets in our tourism recovery," said HKTB Executive Director Dane Cheng. He expressed enthusiasm about Hong Kong’s position as a preferred destination for Filipino travelers.

Across Southeast Asia, Hong Kong’s tourist arrivals have rebounded to 95% of pre-pandemic levels, cementing the region’s status as the fastest-recovering market for Hong Kong tourism.

Travel Trends

According to HKTB data, Southeast Asian travelers to Hong Kong are predominantly younger, stay for an average of 3.4 nights, and spend approximately HK$7,100 per trip.

To attract more Filipino tourists, Hong Kong’s Ngong Ping 360—home to Asia’s longest cable car system—offered a 15% discount at select retail and dining outlets earlier this year. Its managing director noted that these incentives were designed to enhance the travel experience for Filipino visitors and solidify the Philippines' growing contribution to Hong Kong tourism.

A Promising Outlook

With Southeast Asia leading the charge in tourism recovery, the Philippines is emerging as a key market for Hong Kong. The millionth Filipino tourist milestone signifies not only a rebound but also growing demand for Hong Kong as a family-friendly and culturally rich destination.

As more attractions and promotions are rolled out, Filipino travelers are expected to continue flocking to Hong Kong, strengthening ties between the two regions and further bolstering the territory’s vibrant tourism industry.