HONG KONG, SAR CHINA – July 30, 2025 — Hong Kong is witnessing a powerful tourism resurgence in 2025, with Australian visitors leading the charge. According to new data released by the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB), over 223,000 Australians travelled to the city between January and June 2025—marking a 33% year-on-year increase and putting the destination on track to reclaim its pre-pandemic visitor high of around 290,000 seen in 2018.
This strong rebound is being propelled by a convergence of factors: a packed calendar of global cultural and sporting events, milestone celebrations, and the restoration of direct long-haul flights from multiple Australian cities.
“Super March” Puts Hong Kong Back in the Global Spotlight
A defining moment in Hong Kong’s 2025 tourism calendar was “Super March,” a month-long series of high-profile events that reignited global interest in the city. The Hong Kong Sevens, held for the first time at the newly built Kai Tak Sports Park, captivated rugby fans across the globe. Thousands of Australians—renowned for their rugby fervour—flew in to witness the tournament’s return to a larger, more modern venue that now anchors Hong Kong’s sporting ambitions.
Alongside the Sevens, the LIV Golf Invitational Hong Kong drew elite international golfers and affluent spectators, further elevating the city’s reputation as a luxury sporting destination. Art lovers also flocked to Art Basel Hong Kong 2025, which once again confirmed the city’s cultural leadership in Asia with cutting-edge exhibitions and global gallery participation.
Disneyland’s 20th Anniversary and Cultural Expansion Fuel Family Tourism
Hong Kong’s family-friendly appeal reached new heights in 2025 with Hong Kong Disneyland Resort celebrating its 20th anniversary. Throughout the year, the park has been rolling out exclusive parades, character experiences, and themed attractions, contributing significantly to the influx of Australian families.
Meanwhile, the West Kowloon Cultural District—home to the M+ Museum and Hong Kong Palace Museum—continues to attract international attention with its seamless blend of heritage, contemporary art, and community engagement. These cultural assets form part of the government’s long-term plan to transform Hong Kong into a world-class cultural metropolis, according to the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau.
Reconnected Skies: Flight Resumptions and Upgrades
The revival in visitor arrivals from Australia has been made possible by restored and enhanced air connectivity. Cathay Pacific now operates daily flights from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth, bringing its Australian operations back to pre-pandemic levels. Seasonal services from Adelaide and Cairns also bolster travel during peak periods.
Cathay has improved the in-flight experience with its new Aria Suite business class and upgraded premium economy cabins on Sydney-Hong Kong routes—appealing to premium and business travellers.
Meanwhile, Hong Kong Airlines has expanded services to Sydney and Melbourne, creating more schedule options and competitive pricing. Qantas maintains its robust presence, with daily flights linking Hong Kong to Australia’s major cities and supporting leisure and corporate travel demand.
In addition to point-to-point travel, many Australians continue to use Hong Kong International Airport as a regional transit hub, especially for connecting flights to Europe and other parts of Asia. While these transiting passengers don’t count toward the city’s inbound tourism totals, they contribute significantly to the airport economy and local hospitality sector.
Strategic Promotion and Sustainable Tourism Goals
To support this momentum, the HKTB has launched targeted marketing campaigns in Australia, emphasizing Hong Kong’s unique blend of city vibrancy, culinary excellence, cultural richness, and nature escapes. Campaigns feature bespoke itineraries designed for different traveller profiles—from solo adventurers and family holidaymakers to luxury seekers and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Exhibitions) professionals.
In alignment with the Hong Kong SAR Government’s Tourism Blueprint 2.0, efforts are also underway to enhance sustainable travel experiences. This includes expanding green transportation options, promoting lesser-known districts, and encouraging cultural immersion through community-led tours and experiential activities.
Looking Ahead: More Events, More Growth
Tourism experts forecast that Australian arrivals will continue to rise in the second half of 2025, driven by upcoming events such as Clockenflap Music Festival, the Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival, and the New Year Countdown Celebrations. The HKTB also expects spillover benefits from the Mainland China–Hong Kong travel corridor, which further incentivizes multi-destination holidays.
Hong Kong’s ability to integrate aviation, entertainment, and cultural programming has proven key to its tourism recovery. With flight volumes restored, new tourism infrastructure launched, and dynamic events shaping travel itineraries, Australia is once again one of Hong Kong’s most valuable tourism source markets.
Conclusion:
Australia’s growing affinity with Hong Kong is a testament to mutual cultural connection, strategic airline partnerships, and event-driven travel. As 2025 progresses, the city continues to evolve as a vibrant, accessible, and world-class destination—reaffirming its place at the heart of Asia-Pacific tourism.
For more travel news like this, keep reading Global Travel Wire
