Hong Kong Tourist Numbers Tumble 15% as Fuel Costs and Conflict Hit Travel

Short-haul tourist arrivals in Hong Kong dropped sharply in June, falling 15% compared to the previous month, according to new data from the Hong Kong Tourism Board. The board attributed the decline to rising aviation fuel costs linked to the ongoing Middle East conflict, reduced flight capacity, and weaker regional currencies. A total of 3.72 million visitors arrived in May, but June saw a significant contraction, with non-mainland visitors making up just 4% of the total. The tourism board stated that higher fuel prices, exacerbated by the US-Israel war on Iran, forced many airlines to raise fares, impose surcharges, suspend routes, or cut capacity. Although aviation fuel prices had begun to stabilize, recent weeks have not been encouraging. The drop highlights the fragility of tourism recovery in Hong Kong amid global geopolitical and economic pressures.

Article and image source: nepalkhabar.com