Australian travellers are rediscovering Hong Kong, with the latest tourism figures showing a strong surge in visitor numbers during the first half of 2026.
According to the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB), more than 267,000 Australians visited Hong Kong between January and June this year, a 20% increase compared to the same period in 2025. The figures continue the destination’s impressive recovery, following strong growth throughout last year.
While Hong Kong has long been known for its skyline, shopping and incredible food scene, tourism officials believe travellers are increasingly discovering a different side of the city. One that combines outdoor adventures, cultural experiences and family-friendly attractions with the convenience of a major international hub.
For Australian families planning an overseas holiday, it could be a destination worth putting back on the shortlist.
A strong start to 2026
The first half of the year saw consistent growth from the Australian market.
January recorded the biggest increase, with visitor numbers rising by 32% to around 71,000 Australians, while April remained particularly popular thanks to the Easter school holidays and the internationally renowned Hong Kong Sevens event.
June also delivered impressive results, recording a 24% year-on-year increase in Australian arrivals.
Globally, Hong Kong welcomed 26.7 million visitors during the first six months of 2026, an increase of 13% compared with the same period last year. Long-haul markets performed particularly well, with Australia among the strongest-growing visitor markets.
Why are more Australians returning?
The numbers suggest Hong Kong is continuing to rebuild its position as one of Asia’s most accessible and appealing city destinations.
For many Australian travellers, Hong Kong offers an attractive combination of familiar comforts and distinctly Asian experiences. English is widely spoken, public transport is efficient, and visitors can experience everything from bustling night markets and world-class restaurants to hiking trails, beaches and outlying islands without travelling long distances.
For families, it’s also an easy destination to navigate. Attractions such as Hong Kong Disneyland, Ocean Park, the Peak Tram and Victoria Harbour sit alongside cultural neighbourhoods, museums, temples and local food markets, creating a holiday that appeals to both children and adults.
Increasingly, Hong Kong is also being viewed as more than just a stopover. Tourism operators have been encouraging visitors to stay longer and explore beyond the city’s famous skyline, discovering walking trails, island-hopping adventures and local festivals that many first-time visitors often overlook.
A changing image
Karen Macmillan, Director of the Hong Kong Tourism Board for Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific, said it was encouraging to see strong growth continue after the destination recorded double-digit increases throughout 2025.
She said Hong Kong’s year-round calendar of events, combined with efforts to position the city as a destination for longer stays rather than simply a transit hub, had helped drive the continued growth.
Macmillan also noted that while Hong Kong remains famous for its dining, shopping and accommodation, many travellers are now discovering its outdoor experiences, including hiking, island hopping and cultural festivals.
That shift reflects the Hong Kong Tourism Board’s broader campaign to showcase experiences that go well beyond the city’s traditional image.
What it means for families
For Australian families, the renewed interest in Hong Kong highlights how much the destination has evolved.
Parents looking for an overseas holiday that combines big-city excitement with outdoor experiences can easily fill several days exploring theme parks, cultural attractions, harbour cruises, beaches and nearby islands. The city’s efficient transport network also makes sightseeing relatively straightforward without the need to hire a car.
Hong Kong can also work well as a standalone holiday or as part of a longer itinerary through Asia, thanks to its extensive flight connections.
As more Australians return, families who haven’t considered Hong Kong for several years may find the destination offers far more variety than they remember.
Hong Kong’s comeback continues
Australian visitor numbers are only one part of the story. Continued investment in tourism, a broader mix of experiences beyond shopping and dining, and sustained growth from long-haul markets all suggest Hong Kong’s recovery is gathering momentum.
Whether you’re a tourism professional watching travel trends or a family planning your next overseas holiday, Hong Kong is once again a destination worth keeping on your radar.
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