Hongkongers’ fascination with Japan reflects commercial ties, cultural affinity and warming diplomacy
Hong Kong is a major repeat tourist and investment market, and has hosted a thriving Japanese business community since 1850
Hongkongers love to visit Japan, and their ties with the nation have never been closer. In 2017, 2.23 million, or almost 8 per cent of Japan’s 28 million foreign visitors, came from Hong Kong, and many returned to Chek Lap Kok with fond memories. Indeed, if you ask Hongkongers about their favourite holiday destinations, many might cite the delights of Osaka, Kyoto, Tokyo, Okinawa, and Hokkaido, or just say “Japan”.
Hongkongers keep going back to Japan, according to Kuninori Matsuda, ambassador and consul general of Japan in Hong Kong.
He says almost one-fifth of Hong Kong travellers have visited Japan more than 10 times, and more could follow in the coming years.
“Hong Kong is Japan’s number four travel market after mainland China, South Korea and Taiwan in the number of visitors,” Matsuda says.
The Japanese government also plans to increase foreign tourist arrivals to 40 million by 2020, when Tokyo hosts the Olympics and Paralympics, he adds.
As a result, Japanese government officials are actively promoting tourism across the nation. They also plan to launch new “attractions” – integrated resorts featuring facilities for casinos, entertainment, dining and meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions.
