Hong Kong residents surged across borders with nearly 1.4 million outbound trips in the three days leading up to Lunar New Year's Eve, marking a robust 21.6 per cent increase from the previous year, fueled by an extended holiday period and the overlap with Valentine's Day.
According to data released by the Immigration Department on Monday, February 16, 2026, Hong Kong residents made 1.39 million outbound trips from February 13 to 15, up significantly from 1.14 million during the comparable period last year, from January 25 to 27, 2025.
The uptick in travel comes as both 2025 and 2026 offered residents the chance to create a nine-day holiday by taking two weekdays off alongside the three Lunar New Year public holidays, bookended by two weekends.
This year, the festive period uniquely coincided with Valentine's Day on February 14, a romantic milestone that did not align with the holidays in 2025, likely boosting the number of trips for celebrations and getaways.
Meanwhile, inbound journeys saw a modest rise, with arrivals from mainland China and overseas increasing by five per cent to 551,382 from 524,489 over the same three-day span compared to last year.
The Immigration Department's figures highlight a strong recovery and enthusiasm for travel among Hongkongers, reflecting the appeal of the extended break during one of the city's most cherished traditional holidays.
