HONG KONG - Hong Kong is “buzzing again” with the number of visitors to the city surging by 10 percent to more than 16 million in the first four months of 2025, Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po said on Wednesday.

Speaking at a joint trade fair for wine, food and hospitality, Chan also pointed to the “noteworthy increase” of 17 percent in the number of tourists from abroad as the city organizes more international events to attract high-value visitors.

“Ladies and gentlemen, Hong Kong is buzzing again,” Chan said at the opening ceremony of the HOFEX and ProWine Hong Kong joint trade fair at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre in Wan Chai.

Highlighting Hong Kong’s status as ”Asia’s culinary capital”, the financial secretary pointed out that the city has more than 200 Michelin-recommended restaurants, covering cuisines from over 30 countries and regions.

“At a time when some economies are raising trade barriers, Hong Kong is not just opening doors. We are opening more bottles, too,” Chan said.

In the Policy Address announced last October, the SAR government slashed the liquor tax on spirits with over 30 percent alcohol content and an import price above HK$200 ($26), from 100 percent to 10 percent.

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“In the first four months since its implementation, the volume of liquor imports jumped by over 40 percent, and the value doubled,” Chan said.

Imposing no duty on wines, Hong Kong had imported approximately 39 million bottles of wines and consumed some 30 million of them, he added.

Describing Hong Kong as the right place for food and hospitality business, the financial secretary stressed the city was a free port and “proudly” the freest economy in the world.

“We maintain one of the world's most efficient customs clearance and logistics networks. Every day, over 1,000 flights connect us to more than 200 destinations. This city simply gives you the best connectivity to the broader market in the Asian region,” he said.

Hong Kong was also expanding its global business networks, as the city’s relations with regions - such as the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations), Middle East, Central Asia and Africa – continue to grow, Chan added.

With support services available from Invest Hong Kong, the Office for Attracting Strategic Enterprises, and the HKTDC, Chan encouraged businesses to find opportunities and set up a regional office in Hong Kong.

“If you are thinking of extending the reach of your products and services, Hong Kong is your showroom,” the financial secretary said.