Hong Kong visitor numbers jump for Chinese New Year holiday as gold sales shine
South China Morning Post
by Wynna Wong,Harvey KongFebruary 24, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Hong Kong saw a significant boost in visitor numbers during the Chinese New Year holiday, with arrivals increasing by approximately 14% year on year. While more residents chose to leave the city, local retailers reported strong sales, particularly in gold and luxury goods such as watches and jewelry. Some retailers even recorded single purchases worth millions of Hong Kong dollars, reflecting a surge in demand for high-value items during the festive period.
The increase in visitors was driven by both mainland Chinese tourists and international travelers, according to Immigration Department figures. However, despite the rise in tourism, the broader retail recovery remained uneven. While categories like watches and jewelry experienced bumper sales, other sectors saw less consistent growth, indicating a nuanced revival of consumer activity.
This rebound in visitor numbers and retail sales highlights Hong Kong's enduring appeal as a global hub for luxury shopping and travel. The Chinese New Year holiday, a time traditionally associated with spending and gift-giving, appears to have reignited some of the city’s economic活力. However, the simultaneous rise in residents leaving the city underscores broader trends of regionalization and changing consumer behaviors.
For readers interested in global economics, this story offers insight into Hong Kong's ability to recover as a tourism and retail destination, despite ongoing challenges. The strong performance in gold and luxury sales suggests resilience in high-end markets, even as other sectors grapple with uneven recovery. This reflects both the city’s enduring appeal and the evolving preferences of its residents and visitors alike.
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Originally published on South China Morning Post on 2/24/2026