Hong Kong and Macau report mixed tourism growth for July

Hong Kong and Macau reported varying tourism trends for July 2026. In Hong Kong, visitor arrivals rose by 3% year-on-year to 4.5 million. This growth was supported by high-profile international events, including the 108th Lions International Convention and the LEAP East technology exhibition. While arrivals from the Chinese Mainland remained steady, the long-haul segment showed significant momentum, increasing by 17% in July. Conversely, short-haul arrivals declined by 9% in July, a trend attributed to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and rising fuel costs affecting airline capacity.

In Macau, overall visitor arrivals for July increased by approximately 2% year-on-year, with early August seeing a 10% rise. However, international visitor numbers have stagnated. The Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO) attributed this lack of international growth to geopolitical uncertainties, high fuel prices, and reduced flight capacities. Specifically, demand from South Korea, a major source market, has softened due to domestic economic volatility. To counter these trends, Macau is planning a series of cultural events through the end of the year, including the Macau Grand Prix and the Macao International Fireworks Display Contest.