Yen for Hong Kong: Japanese tourists are returning in droves, but for how long?

Japanese tourist arrivals to Hong Kong are up 106 per cent so far this year, but industry analysts say the weak yen threatens further growth

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Japanese tourists in Hong Kong visit a Doraemon exhibition in July. Photo: Dickson Lee

Published: 10:00am, 9 Oct 2024Updated: 4:56pm, 9 Oct 2024

Visitor numbers from Japan to Hong Kong have more than doubled so far this year, driven by the city’s vibrant attractions and targeted promotions. However, travel industry analysts say that concerns such as the weak yen may dampen the potential for future growth.

At the recent Tourism Expo Japan 2024 in Tokyo’s Big Sight exhibition centre, which began on September 26, Hong Kong’s neon-lit booth was a hive of activity.

“This is what we wanted to see,” said Hisao Minoguchi, director of the Hong Kong Tourism Board’s Japan office, gesturing towards the crowded meeting tables. “It shows that both sides are passionate about reviving Hong Kong as a destination for Japanese travellers.”

Visitor numbers to the city have surged, with 353,785 arrivals from Japan in the first eight months of 2024 – up 106 per cent from 172,406 during the same period last year.

While the rebound is partly linked to the overall recovery of the travel industry post-pandemic, Minoguchi believes that Japanese tourists are eager to revisit Hong Kong for its traditional attractions, as well as new events and experiences promoted at the expo.

The Hong Kong Tourism Board’s booth at Tourism Expo Japan 2024. Photo: Julian Ryall

“Japanese tourists are primarily drawn to Hong Kong’s vibrant culinary scene, particularly authentic local dishes like dim sum,” he said.