HK visitor arrivals rise 16.4% in 2011

HONG KONG (Reuters): Visitor arrivals to Hong Kong rose by a provisional 16.4 percent in 2011, totalling a record 41.92 million, the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) said.

“We are strongly encouraged by the robust performance of our tourism industry in 2011. Not only did visitor arrivals reach a historic high of almost 42 million, but tourism receipts will also likely surpass HK$250 billion ($32.19 billion),” Tourism Board Chairman James Tien said in a statement.

“Looking into 2012, notwithstanding uncertainty in the global economic environment, the HKTB will continue to invest in promotions in different key source markets. We project there will be single-digit growth in visitor arrivals in 2012.”

The tourism board is due to release 2011 December data and a breakdown of 2011 figures later this month.  



 Following is a summary of visitor arrivals to Hong Kong from different regions:    

                                    No. Of          Pct    

                                    Arrivals        Change vs.    

     Region                         in 2011         2010

     Mainland China                 28.10 million   +23.9

     Short-haul markets              9.05 million   + 4.6

     Long-haul markets               4.77 million   + 1.7