Hong Kong, on November 29, celebrated a major tourism milestone, welcoming its millionth visitor of the year from the Philippines. Miguel Linao, accompanied by his wife Ana and their three children, landed at Hong Kong International Airport to a warm surprise from the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB). The Linao family was honored as the millionth visitor, marking a record-breaking achievement that surpassed the 930,000 Filipino arrivals by the same time in 2018.
“This isn’t our first trip to Hong Kong, but we never expected anything like this,” said Linao, who was in the city to support his daughter’s gymnastics competition. “Hong Kong is always a quick and exciting getaway for us. We love the food, the theme parks, and the overall energy of the city.”
The Philippines has emerged as a key driver of Hong Kong’s tourism recovery, with Filipino arrivals up 127 percent compared to pre-pandemic levels. From January to October 2024, 920,000 Filipinos visited Hong Kong, contributing to the city’s impressive rebound in Southeast Asia — the fastest-recovering market for tourism.
Dane Cheng, executive director of the HKTB, expressed optimism for the region’s continued growth. “We are thrilled that Hong Kong has become the top destination for Filipino travelers. With events like the Hong Kong WinterFest and major attractions, we look forward to welcoming more visitors in the coming months.”
Filipinos are drawn to Hong Kong’s unique blend of adventure, convenience, and vibrant culture. HKTB data reveals that Filipino tourists are typically young, with an average stay of 3.4 nights and a spend of about HK$7,100 per trip. Popular attractions include the city’s iconic theme parks, lively markets, and cultural landmarks.
Looking ahead, major events like Coldplay’s January 2025 concert at the Kai Tak Sports Park and the debut of twin panda cubs at Ocean Park in February 2025 are expected to attract even more Filipino visitors.
