Deputy Executive Director Becky Ip, HKTB Executive Director Dane Cheng, Filipino celebrity pair Alexa
Ilacad and KD Estrada, and Whiskers from Ocean Park Hong Kong)
The bond between the Philippines and Hong Kong has grown stronger over the years, reaching a new milestone last November. Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) proudly welcomed its 1 millionth Filipino visitor, reflecting the city’s enduring appeal and its commitment to offering fresh, exciting experiences.
To mark this achievement, HKTB hosted a celebratory dinner, “Juan in a Million,” bringing together partners and collaborators for an unforgettable evening. Reflecting on the past year’s success, HKTB Executive Director Dane Cheng shared, “Thanks to the collective efforts of our partners, we are proud to announce that we have not only reached the historical milestone of receiving 1 million Filipino visitor but have also surpassed previous arrival numbers with a record 1.2 million arrivals in a year from the Philippines. This is a remarkable achievement!” He added, “As we look ahead in 2025, we remain committed to offering our visitors a million reasons to explore Hong Kong and bringing the city even closer to the hearts of Filipinos.”
A Year of Milestones
Estrada)
2024 marked a year of milestones for Hong Kong, from record-breaking visitor numbers to innovative campaigns that strengthened its connection with Filipino travelers.
Celebrity-led initiatives captured the imagination of audiences, including “Under Parallel Skies”, a film top-billed by Janella Salvador and Thai Actor Win Metawin, and “Be With U”, a romantic music video starring KD Estrada and Alexa Ilacad. Both projects showcase Hong Kong as a city of love and adventure. Meanwhile, culinary collaborations like the Four Hands Dinner with chefs Margarita Forés and Vicky Cheng highlighted the city’s unique flavors, bringing Hong Kong closer to Filipino palates, while also serving as the perfect prologue in anticipation of the yearly Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival, a celebrated gathering of the best gastronomic finds in Hong Kong. HKTB also went the extra mile to showcase more of Hong Kong’s hidden gems through the eyes of four Hong Kong-based Filipinos in the “Of Course, Hong Kong” video series campaign.
These efforts, combined with the strong appeal of world-class attractions, the introduction of new experiences, and a slew of exciting cultural events, have reinforced Hong Kong’s reputation as Asia’s World City.
What’s Next: 2025 New Offerings and Attractions to Watch Out For
Kong)
Building on the success of 2024, HKTB is focused on creating an even more exciting year ahead. According to Cheng, staying ahead of trends and keeping the momentum going is essential in maintaining Hong Kong’s appeal as a dynamic global destination. Here’s a preview of some unmissable activities and attractions:
Ocean Park Hong Kong is gearing up for the debut of the adorable twin panda cubs this February. Another pair of pandas, An An and Ke Ke, gifted by the Central Government to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, are now ready to greet eager visitors at their new home too. And while you wait to see them in person, you can also catch them live in their sanctuaries through Ocean Park Hong Kong’s live feed. What’s more, The Festive Lunar New Year Stop of PANDA GO! FEST HONG KONG takes place at D·PARK and Central Market from January 17 to March 6, 2025. Over 800 panda sculptures will be showcased, featuring festive Lunar New Year designs for the first time.
Another beloved theme park, Hong Kong Disneyland, will celebrate its 20th anniversary starting this summer 2025 with a series of events designed to delight Disney fans of all ages through spectacular and unique programs. Guests can witness the brand-new anniversary-only castle stage show called Castle of Magical Dreams, a brand-new anniversary-only castle stage show, as well as the “Friendtastic!” Parade, the newest and largest-to-date daytime parade the park has to offer. And no Hong Kong Disneyland celebration is complete without the “Momentous” nighttime spectacular, amped up for the 20th anniversary celebration. Guests can expect all this plus the flashiest and most dazzling array of party elements to make HKDL’s 20th anniversary experience truly memorable.
The highly anticipated new landmark of Hong Kong – the Kai Tak Sports Park is also set to open its doors to different shows and activities this 2025. With a seating capacity of 50,000 for the main stadium, the Kai Tak Sports Park will see larger-than-life acts such as the Hong Kong Sevens, an iconic sporting event in March, and Coldplay’s upcoming show in April. The opening of this impressive stadium, which showcases a variety of event spaces, along with the newly opened shopping malls and JOYPOLIS SPORTS HONG KONG — Japan’s all-weather indoor sportainment complex developed by Tokyo Joypolis — makes the Kai Tak Sports Park a must-visit destination for fun and joy for all generations.
Fun and Deals You Cannot Miss at the TravelTour Expo
Filipinos eager to return to Hong Kong can plan their trips at the TravelTour Expo (TTE), happening from February 6 to 8, 2025, at SMX Convention Centre. Visitors can take advantage of “Buy 2 Get 1 Free” special packages offered by participating travel agents as well as the “Child Play and Stay for Free” deals from Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, where customers will get one complimentary 2-Day child ticket with every adult 2-day tickets plus one night stay at Disney’s Hollywood Hotel. On top of that, Ocean Park Hong Kong is offering a complimentary HK$50 F&B voucher with purchase of a standard admission ticket. Fans of KD Estrada and Alexa Ilacad will also have a chance to meet them live at the HKTB pavilion to hear firsthand about their Hong Kong adventures.