Hong Kong welcomed 2.18 million visitors in January, up 15.6% on the same month last year, the Tourism Board says.

Arrivals from the Mainland grew 24.3%, while those from international markets rose 4.4%. Double-digit growth was registered from Australia (10.5%), the Philippines (16.2%) South Korea (13.2%), the Netherlands (18.9%) and New Zealand (11.9%).

The board's Executive Director Clara Chong said the rise reflects Hong Kong's growing appeal during the Lunar New Year period. It is also partly a result of packaging and promoting festive activities, like the International Chinese New Year Night Parade, worldwide.

Overnight arrivals

About 62.6% of visitors stayed one night or more, slightly less than the 64.4% registered in the same month last year. Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific had the highest percentage of overnight arrivals at 81.5%.

Hotel occupancy across all categories of hotels and tourist guesthouses was 85%, a three percentage-point fall on last year's figure. This partially reflects the 2.8% rise in Hong Kong's room supply during the past year.

By location, hotels in Yau Ma Tei and Mong Kok recorded an occupancy rate of 90%. The average achieved hotel room rate across all hotel categories and districts was $1,029, up 13.6% on last year's figure.