Hong Kong saw visitor arrivals from Japan surge 35 percent year-on-year to more than 470,000 in the first eight months of the year, according to the Hong Kong Tourism Board.

The HKTB noted in particular that 76,000 travelers visited from Japan in August, or an increase 55 percent from the same period last year, making it the short-haul market with the most significant increase.     

The tourism board said its Tokyo office will continue to promote Hong Kong’s diverse attractions through the theme “Kawaii Hong Kong”, presenting the city as an “adorable and Instagrammable destination.”

The HKTB said it has invited members of the media and influencers to explore Hong Kong’ newest Instagrammable spots and curated a new “Kawaii Hong Kong” travel guide to attract young visitors.

The board earlier said that Hong Kong logged 5.15 million visitor arrivals in August, representing a 16 percent year-on-year surge.

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The total number of inbound tourist trips from January to August topped 33 million — 25.53 million from the Chinese mainland and 7.65 million from other places — a 12 percent year-on-year increase, the HKTB added.