Key facts
- Mainland Chinese tourists are increasingly undertaking day trips to Hong Kong, prioritizing low-cost sightseeing over luxury shopping.
- Average spending by day-trippers in Hong Kong has fallen to HK$1,300 (US$166) from HK$2,400 in 2018.
- Tourism's contribution to Hong Kong's economy has shrunk from 4.5% in 2018 to 2.7% in 2024.
- Sales of jewelry and watches in Hong Kong fell 12% in the first quarter of 2025 compared to a year earlier.
- Total retail sales in Hong Kong fell more than 6% in the first quarter of 2025 compared to a year earlier.
- Occupancy rates at Ovolo Hotels averaged 60% to 70% last year, down from 88% in 2018.
Chinese tourists are increasingly opting for cost-effective travel to Hong Kong, prioritizing outdoor attractions and day trips over traditional luxury shopping and extended stays. This shift, dubbed 'special forces' travel, is driven by China's slowing economic growth and a property sector crisis that has impacted household budgets.
During the five-day Labour Day holiday in May, Hong Kong saw over 910,000 mainland Chinese visitors, the highest tally since before the Covid-19 pandemic. However, the city's tourism industry is struggling with reduced spending. Many young travelers, like 21-year-old Carol Wang, opt for day trips, spending as little as HK$400 (US$51) and utilizing cheaper options in mainland Shenzhen for accommodation and meals.
This trend has led to a "structural shift" among mainland Chinese travelers, with people staying for shorter durations and spending less, according to Gary Ng, senior economist at Natixis. The average spending for day-trippers has dropped to HK$1,300 (US$166) from HK$2,400 in 2018. Consequently, tourism's contribution to Hong Kong's economy has decreased from 4.5% in 2018 to an estimated 2.7% in 2024.
Retail sales have reflected this change, with jewelry and watch sales falling 12% in the first quarter of 2025 compared to the previous year, and total retail sales declining over 6%. Some tourism operators are now offering single-day group tours for as little as Rmb138 ($19). Tourists are also sharing cost-saving tips on social media, such as utilizing free lodging at temples or 24-hour fast-food restaurants.
Hotel occupancy rates have also seen a decline, with Ovolo Hotels reporting an average of 60% to 70% last year, down from 88% in 2018. This "short-stay model" means that while visitor numbers are up, spending, particularly in food and beverages, has significantly dropped.