Hong Kong recorded 31.22 million visitor arrivals in the first seven months of 2026 — up 12 percent from a year earlier — lifted by the city’s efficient international connectivity and a busy calendar of mega events, Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po said on Sunday.

Writing in his weekly blog, Chan said the special administrative region has long been a favored destination for major exhibitions and conventions, thanks in part to its convenient global transport links. Over 170 events were held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre and at AsiaWorld-Expo on Lantau Island during the first six months of the year, drawing a total attendance of 3.5 million.

About 140 airlines operate flights between the SAR and more than 225 destinations worldwide, providing travelers with a broad network of direct and transfer services.

In the first half of 2026, Hong Kong International Airport handled more than 200,000 flight movements, up 4.4 percent year-on-year, while passenger traffic rose 11.7 percent to 32.8 million.

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“Hong Kong’s status as an international aviation hub is not only the lifeblood of the local aviation industry, but also the physical foundation for Hong Kong to play its roles as a ‘super value-adder’ and ‘super connector’, supporting more vibrant trade, logistics, exhibitions and tourism, as well as people-to-people exchanges,” Chan said.

He added that 15 airlines have moved into the departure facilities at HKIA’s Terminal 2 which opened in May this year. The facilities are expected to handle about eight million passenger trips in their first year, easing pressure on the airport’s outbound passenger flow.

The Airport Authority has also been promoting the development of a smart airport, including the use of Flight Token — a facial recognition system that speeds up check-in and boarding procedures. Other measures include cellphone express bag drop services and Smartlane security screening systems. Up to 80 percent of departing passengers had used Flight Token as of June.

Chan said many international hub airports have developed into integrated tourism and service landmarks capable of attracting high-value and high-spending visitors — an area in which HKIA has “huge potential” as well.

Under the Skytopia project, construction work on the second phase of AsiaWorld-Expo has begun and is slated for completion in 2028, expanding space for exhibitions and large-scale events.

The Airport Authority also plans to develop yacht tourism by using waters near the airport island and the Hong Kong Port artificial island. The project will provide more than 500 yacht berths, including berths for super yachts longer than 100 meters, as well as supporting facilities and water recreation areas.

Chan said the AA has received “highly positive responses” after approaching local and overseas investors and operators, adding that the yacht facilities are expected to be completed in phases from 2028.

Skytopia will also feature an arts industry ecosystem bringing together creation, appreciation, trading and storage. It will include storage facilities for artworks and valuables, alongside related professional services, and is due to begin operation early next year.

Contact the writer at irisli@chinadailyhk.com