Hong Kong's Tourism and Entertainment Sector Growth: A Strategic Investment Opportunity in 2025

In 2025, Agoda's data revealed a striking trend: Hong Kong Disneyland emerged as the most-searched activity on the platform, outpacing iconic attractions like Universal Studios Singapore and Gardens by the Bay. This surge in interest, driven by travelers from the Philippines, Hong Kong, and Thailand, underscores the park's pivotal role in the region's tourism and entertainment ecosystem. With June as the peak month for searches and a promotional partnership offering better rates, the park's performance signals a broader recovery in Hong Kong's tourism sector and its potential as a compelling investment target.

Hong Kong's Tourism Sector: A Post-Pandemic Resurgence

Hong Kong's tourism sector demonstrated significant recovery in 2024, with 44.5 million international visitors-a 31% increase from 2023, though still 20.4% below 2019 pre-pandemic levels according to RoadGenius data. Tourist spending also rose to HK$195.0 billion in 2024, up 9.6% year-on-year according to RoadGenius data. Central to this rebound was Hong Kong Disneyland, which reported record attendance of 7.7 million visitors in 2024 and a 54% revenue increase to HK$8.8 billion, fueled by attractions like the "World of Frozen" themed land. The park's contribution to Hong Kong's GDP- estimated at 2.7% in 2024-highlights its economic significance.

Regional Comparisons: Hong Kong Disneyland's Competitive Edge

Hong Kong Disneyland's 2024 performance outpaced other Asian Disney parks. While Tokyo Disney Resort reported a net profit of JPY 124.1 billion (USD 864 million) and Shanghai Disneyland saw a 5% growth, Hong Kong's park achieved a 3.3% growth rate and a record net profit of HK$664 million (USD 85.5 million), marking its first profit in a decade. This success contrasts with challenges faced by other international Disney parks, which collectively saw a 23% decline in operating income during Q2 2025. Hong Kong's ability to attract mainland Chinese and Southeast Asian tourists, coupled with its avoidance of public funding for expansion, positions it as a resilient player in the region.

Regional Tourism Dynamics: Shifting Alliances and Strategies

Southeast Asia's tourism landscape in 2024–2025 saw Malaysia overtake Thailand as the most-visited country, with 28.2 million international arrivals in the first eight months of 2025. Vietnam's 21.5% growth rate and China's surging outbound travel to destinations like Japan and Singapore further illustrate shifting consumer preferences. Meanwhile, Hong Kong's strategic focus on digital engagement-evidenced by Agoda's promotional partnerships-aligns with the region's broader trend of leveraging social commerce platforms like Xiaohongshu and Douyin to drive travel decisions according to Xendit's 2025 Southeast Asia travel trends report.

Investment Implications: A Sector Poised for Growth

Hong Kong's tourism sector, anchored by Hong Kong Disneyland's resurgence, presents a compelling investment case. The park's profitability, coupled with the region's evolving tourism strategies, suggests sustained demand for entertainment-driven travel. As global hotel chains expand in Southeast Asia and digital platforms reshape consumer behavior, investors should prioritize destinations that blend cultural appeal with technological innovation. Hong Kong's strategic location, robust infrastructure, and the park's role as a top-searched activity position it as a key beneficiary of the region's tourism renaissance.