Government data shows visitor numbers to Hong Kong declined 2.5% YoY in 2015 , the 1st fall in 2015 , driven by a drop Chinese tourists, who account for almost three-quarters of all visitors to Hong Kong . Ricky Tse , Chairman of the Hong Kong Inbound Tour Operators Association , told Reuters he expects the downward trend to continue in 2016 , as the strong South Korea dollar makes other Asian destinations such as Japan and South Korea comparatively cheaper. Tourism numbers, however, fell last year for the first time in more than a decade and Ricky Tse, chairman of the Hong Kong Inbound Tour Operators Association, told Reuters he expects a further decline this year as the strong Hong Kong dollar continues to drive mainland Chinese to comparatively cheaper destinations such as Japan and South Korea. Chinese tour groups to Hong Kong fell by 50% in 2015 and could fall as much as 60% in 2016 ; and a move away from pure shopping trips may hit retailers, particularly at the luxury end; one jewellery chain expects to close almost three-quarters stores this fiscal year .
Government data shows visitor numbers to Hong Kong declined 2.5% YoY in 2015 , the 1st fall in 2015 , driven by a drop Chinese tourists, who account for almost three-quarters of all visitors to Hong Kong . Ricky Tse , Chairman of the Hong Kong Inbound Tour Operators Association , told Reuters he expects the downward trend to continue in 2016 , as the strong South Korea dollar makes other Asian destinations such as Japan and South Korea comparatively cheaper. Chinese tour groups to Hong Kong fell by 50% in 2015 and could fall as much as 60% in 2016 ; and a move away from pure shopping trips may hit retailers, particularly at the luxury end; one jewellery chain expects to close almost three-quarters stores this fiscal year .