In January 2023, the number of visitors to Hong Kong jumped nearly 70 times compared with the year before. Arrivals clocked in at 498,689 after the city’s gradual reopening to the world, following nearly three years of stringent zero-COVID lockdowns and entry restrictions.
According to Reuters, the city’s retail sales in January rose from 33.7 billion in 2022 to 36.2 billion in 2023, up 7 percent. Watches, jewelry and other valuable goods saw the greatest increase in sales, rising 23.1 percent, according to the same report. Meanwhile, fashion and footwear sales grew by 14.7 percent in January — rosy signs for a slow but steady recovery on the horizon.
In pre-pandemic times, mainland Chinese tourists in Hong Kong accounted for the consumption of many of the aforementioned goods, especially in the jewelry, watches and luxury spaces. The city, which fully reopened its borders with China in early February, has continued to see a growing number of arrivals over recent weeks. Local businesses and retailers are hopeful the return of mainland travelers will boost Hong Kong’s sluggish economy, which has been embattled since the 2019 pro-democracy protests.
In an effort to jumpstart tourism, retail, and investment sectors, the Hong Kong government is launching a 255 million “Hello Hong Kong” tourism campaign, which will also involve giving away half a million air tickets to international visitors. One goal is to raise the city’s retail sales by 22 percent, according to Bloomberg.
However, the campaign has come under fire by critics for its lackluster messaging, and for being “frothy, vapid and meaningless,” according to PR insiders quoted in a report by PRovoke Media.
"What’s lacking is emotional connection to the 'real' HK — the alleys of Central, the eclectic atmosphere of older districts, the beauty of HK’s natural environment, the unknown attractions such as mountain bike trails and running trails, and beaches, and creative use of the two new drawcards of M+ and Palace Museum," another communications expert told PRovoke Media. “So far the emotional connection is missing.”
It remains to be seen how Hong Kong’s ongoing efforts to re-engage and reconnect with the outside world will play out.