The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) announced on the 15th that preliminary statistics show that there will be approximately 45 million visitors to Hong Kong in 2024, an increase of 31% compared to 2023. Among them, there will be nearly 4.26 million visitors in December, an increase of 8% year-on-year. According to statistics from the Hong Kong Tourism Board, in 2024, the mainland is the largest market for visiting tourists to Hong Kong, with a total of 34 million visitors, an increase of 27% year-on-year, accounting for about three-quarters of the total number of visitors to Hong Kong for the year. The number of mainland tourists visiting Hong Kong during the Lunar New Year, May Day holiday, and National Day Golden Week is ideal. In 2024, there were a total of 10.5 million non mainland tourists, 44% more than in 2023; With the continuous increase in air transport capacity, the number of non mainland tourists visiting Hong Kong exceeded one million in November and December 2024. Short distance travelers have shown strong performance in the Southeast Asian market, with the Philippines market being particularly prominent. The number of visitors to Hong Kong reached nearly 1.2 million throughout the year, setting a new high in recent years; The passenger volume of Indonesia and Malaysia has increased by 43% and 50% respectively year-on-year; The number of Indian market visitors to Hong Kong has increased by over 70% year-on-year; The number of visitors to Hong Kong from long-distance markets such as the United States and Australia has increased by 50% year-on-year. In addition, in 2024, half of the overall visitors to Hong Kong stayed overnight, with an average stay of 3.2 nights. According to the visitor survey conducted by the Hong Kong Tourism Board, based on a maximum score of 10, the satisfaction rate of overnight visitors visiting Hong Kong is 8.8 points. The intention and recommendation rate for returning to Hong Kong are both 94%, and all three indicators are higher than the 2023 level. The Director General of the Hong Kong Tourism Board, Cheng Dingyi, stated that in the past year, the Board has been fully committed to organizing and promoting major events held in Hong Kong to enhance the visitor experience. At the same time, promotion will be carried out for different markets and customer groups around the world, and the "Hospitality Way" promotion will be launched. Driven by the central government's series of measures to benefit Hong Kong, the SAR government has released the "Hong Kong Tourism Development Blueprint 2.0". In the coming year, the Hong Kong Tourism Board will make every effort to strengthen its promotion of target markets and customer groups, and attract global tourists to Hong Kong through diversified tourism products and experiences. (New Society)