As the National Day holiday approaches, the Wisers Tourism Index predicts that the number of inbound tourists to Hong Kong in October will increase compared to September.
As the first short holiday after the summer vacation, many tourists are preparing their travel destinations. Discussions about “Physical Activity” in Hong Kong have increased among netizens on mainland OTA media, mainly due to the unique water activities available in the surrounding waters of Hong Kong, such as kayaking, snorkeling, and surfing, which have become summer tourism highlights and boosted outdoor areas.
Notably, the volume of discussions around family travel has increased during the data collection period, likely related to the upcoming National Day holiday and the opportunity for family outings. Some netizens have shared their experiences of family trips to water parks, noting the pleasant atmosphere and child-friendly facilities. Unlike previous travel patterns centered around city tours, family travel itineraries often include theme parks and even countryside locations. We anticipate that family tourism has the potential to become a new highlight in Hong Kong’s tourism industry in the future.
Additionally, “Attractions” have positively impacted the number of inbound visitors, which is likely related to the summer vacation period during the data collection. Many of the tourists visiting Hong Kong are students eager to take photos at various “Hong Kong-style” spots and famous eateries. Many posts mention visits to iconic locations such as double-decker buses and tea restaurants, indicating that the “Hong Kong-style” trend from several months ago is still ongoing.
With the Hong Kong government placing increasing importance on sports development, more mega sports events are expected to be held in the city. In addition to coming to watch these events, tourists may also explore sports activities such as hiking, kayaking, and snorkeling. Therefore, the government and various sectors should consider building more outdoor and water activity centers and facilities. To align with the new trend of family tourism, the government should also enhance promotions for rural-urban areas like Sai Kung and Mui Wo, attracting visitors, especially families, to explore the countryside.
