Hong Kong kicks off Rugby Sevens, Art Basel in tourism push

28/3/2025 14:57

Hong Kong is kicking off its most popular sporting event the Rugby Sevens on Friday and hosting international art fair Art Basel as part of a tourism drive that authorities hope will boost visits to the Asian financial hub.



The Chinese-controlled territory has seen tourists increasingly return since last year following three years of strict COVID-19 restrictions that led to an exodus of expatriates and dragged down visitor numbers.



In 2024, arrivals had rebounded to 68% of the record levels of 2018, but the city faces challenges in fully reviving the industry due to heightened air ticket prices and a worker shortage that have made it harder to compete with rival destinations such as Singapore, according to industry experts.



The Hong Kong government's "Super March" tourism promotions are designed to provide a major stimulus for the sector.