Political turmoil and protests in 2019 led to Hong Kong’s international visitor spending dropping from US$49.2 billion in 2018 to US$38.8 billion in 2019, a 21% decline. The sector’s GDP fell 14.3% and 93,000 jobs were lost. Confidence spiralled, leading to a $1.2 billion decline in investment.

A second shock—COVID-19 restrictions— followed in 2020, when international visitor spending plummeted a further 90.1%, and fell another 36.3% in 2021. Spending by domestic visitors fell by 38.6% in 2020 but rebounded by 32.6% in 2021. Nonetheless, the sector’s total GDP contribution contracted by 73.6% in 2020, shedding 128,000 jobs.

The recovery has lagged behind that of regional competitors. Figures for 2025 indicate travel and tourism GDP in the city to have recovered to 98.5% of 2018 levels, whereas Singapore and Macao are now 3.6% and 2.4% above 2018, respectively.

Part of the problem is Hong Kong’s heavy reliance on inbound visitors from both Mainland China and foreign markets such as the US and UK. Overnight stays by arrivals from the mainland are down 23.4%, which the report attributes partly to changing daytripping trends. Many visitors now stay in Shenzhen and use its newly opened Bay Bridge to access the city for short trips, rather than book multi-night stays in Hong Kong.

The maturation of the luxury shopping market in other Chinese cities and the growth of e-commerce have also eaten into Hong Kong’s retail USP, as has the development of more widespread tourism to destinations across the country. These factors are all impacting market share and will not be helped by the launch of Hainan Island Free Trade Port, competing since December 2025 for the duty-free spend that was once Hong Kong’s preserve.

Hong Kong is on the rebound – but the next chapter is about going global.

In 2025, the city welcomed 50 million visitors, yet just 24% came from beyond Mainland China.

Travel & Tourism already contributes $56.4BN and supports 587,000 jobs -nearly back to pre-2018 levels after… pic.twitter.com/wUmpc66ckb

— WTTC (@WTTC) April 1, 2026

Major international source markets also “show substantial room for recovery,” the report notes. Inbound visitors from South Korea are down 29.2% on 2018, from the United States by −28.1%, from Japan −35.7%, and from the UK by −40.5%. Total international visitor arrivals to Hong Kong are forecast to have hit 50.3 million in 2025—but that’s still 22.9% below the 2018 peak of 65.3 million, whereas Macao and Singapore are only 12.6% and12.4% below their previous peaks. This reveals Hong-Kong-specific issues. The city tourism board’s Industry Snapshot, from February 2026, points particularly to air connectivity constraints, as flight numbers in and out remain 15% down on 2018. Cathay Pacific is launching new routes, for example to Seattle, but has had to raise fuel surcharges from 1 April 2026 due to the Middle East oil crisis—a potential geopolitical barrier to improving aviation capacity in the short-to-mid-term.

Furthermore, the loss of international MICE visitors, who are reported to have relocated in numbers to Singapore, means spending by business travellers is 16.8% below 2018 levels, which, the WTTC analysts say, “has a disproportionate impact due to the higher spending tendencies of business travellers.”

Nonetheless, the situation can be helped by a pivot to reimagine Hong Kong as an experiential destination where luxury shopping is only part of the equation, complemented by gastronomy, neighbourhood exploration, curated itineraries, and bundled experiences that encourage longer stays.

The WTTC also calls for advertising in diversified key markets, such as India where the outbound tourism market is fast-growing thanks to the rise of the middle class. Business travel can be re-energised too, through targeted incentives, streamlined entry processes, and strategic bidding for international conferences, while long-haul demand can be restored through renewed airline partnerships, the report says.

Overall, Hong Kong travel and tourism “has made meaningful progress since the dual shocks of the 2019 turmoil and COVID-19 pandemic,” WTTC reports, but with the sector worth 14% of the city’s GDP, it is “crucial to ensure its quick recovery, and in this, the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) has a critical role to play.”

L’article Hong Kong tourism nears full recovery but gaps with 2018 persist est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

The project is a collaboration between the airline and the West Kowloon Cultural District Authority (WKCDA), one of Hong Kong’s leading cultural institutions. The partners say the initiative aims to showcase the city’s creative talent worldwide and highlight the cultural vibrancy of Hong Kong through aviation.

“Spirit of Hong Kong embodies WestK’s vision of transcending boundaries and connecting the world, inviting travellers from across the globe to immerse themselves in Hong Kong’s profound cultural heritage and boundless creative spirit,” said Bernard Chan, Chairman of the Board of the WKCDA. 

The aircraft’s striking livery was created by Hong Kong multimedia artist Victor Wong. Using technology that generates landscapes from geographical data, blending vibrant colours across the aircraft’s fuselage, reflecting Hong Kong’s diverse landscapes and cultural energy.

Cathay Group Chief Executive Officer Ronald Lam underscored that the initiative reflects the airline’s close relationship with its home city. “In partnership with WKCDA and through ‘The Spirit of Hong Kong’ livery, we aim to support outstanding local artistic creativity and showcase the unique culture and spirit of Hong Kong to audiences around the world,” he added. 

Since 2023, Cathay has been WestK’s official Travel Partner, backing its exhibitions, performing arts programs, and cultural events. With an investment of more than HK$100 billion in its fleet, cabin products, lounges and digital innovation, the airline aims to win over customers while reinforcing Hong Kong’s position as a leading international aviation hub.

During the unveiling event, passengers boarding the inaugural flight experienced a special cultural programme, including a reimagined version of Cathay’s sonic branding, “Song of Cathay,” performed by Hong Kong pianist and composer Patrick Lui. The updated piece incorporates elements of modern jazz and will be available on selected Cathay flights from mid-2026. 

The “Spirit of Hong Kong” livery is one of several initiatives introduced to celebrate Cathay’s 80^th anniversary. Earlier in the year, the airline also revived its classic “lettuce leaf sandwich” retro design on an Airbus A350 passenger aircraft and a Boeing 747 freighter, celebrating the carrier’s heritage while highlighting its long-standing connection with Hong Kong. As part of the anniversary programme, the airline also showcased vintage uniforms, honouring the generations of employees who have shaped Cathay Pacific’s service.

L’article Cathay Pacific unveils “Spirit of Hong Kong” new aircraft livery to mark 80th anniversary est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

Footage circulating online shows several travellers watching in shock as the events unfolded. Some passengers quickly moved away from the area while others filmed the destruction on their phones. Around 10 self-check-in kiosks were damaged during the rampage. Railings and nearby counters were also affected, leaving part of the terminal visibly disrupted in the early morning hours. 

Airport Authority staff and security personnel responded within minutes. An airport spokesperson confirmed that staff warned the man to stop causing further damage before police officers arrived and arrested him. An investigation was immediately launched following the incident. The suspect was later taken into custody at the airport’s bus terminal.

The man had reportedly been in Hong Kong since November 2025 and was due to leave the city on the morning of the incident. However, his departure plans changed after police allegedly discovered four Viagra pills in his backpack. In Hong Kong, Viagra is classified as a “Part 1 poison”. This legal category refers to controlled medicines that require a valid doctor’s prescription. 

Possessing such medication without a prescription is considered a criminal offense in Hong Kong. The maximum penalty can reach HK$100,000 (€10,800), and up to two years in prison. The arrest was therefore linked not only to criminal damage but also to suspected possession of a controlled substance. The case highlights how medication rules can vary significantly between countries, something travellers are not always aware of. 

Despite the dramatic nature of the incident, airport operations continued without major disruption. Staff quickly secured the damaged area and redirected passengers to other available kiosks or staffed counters. Large international hubs such as Hong Kong International Airport are designed to handle unexpected events without shutting down daily operations.  

Self-service kiosks are widely used in airports around the world to reduce waiting times and allow passengers to check in independently. While these machines are generally reliable, they can sometimes cause frustration if a document is not recognized or a booking cannot be found. Even so, serious outbursts like this remain rare, and airports have procedures in place to manage both technical issues and security incidents quickly. 

L’article British tourist sparks chaos at Hong Kong airport after smashing check-in kiosks est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

The commemorative livery has been featured on one of Cathay’s long-haul Airbus A350-900 jets, bringing back the airline’s distinctive green-and-white “lettuce leaf sandwich” design coupled with an “80” anniversary mark on the fuselage.

The aircraft entered commercial service in early January, operating scheduled long-haul flights from Hong Kong. A second retro livery is set to appear later this month on a Boeing 747 freighter, extending the anniversary theme to Cathay’s cargo operations.

The year 2026 marks eight decades since the airline was founded in 1946, highlighting its legacy of connecting Hong Kong with destinations around the world. 

“Today marks not just an important milestone for Cathay, but a celebration of our ‘80 Years Together’ with Hong Kong. Guided by our purpose to move people forward in life, Cathay and Hong Kong have grown together over the past eight decades, supporting each other through thick and thin. From Kai Tak to Chek Lap Kok, whether it’s studying abroad, conducting business, exploring the world, reuniting with family, or delivering vital supplies at critical moments, Cathay has always stood with the people of Hong Kong through countless shared journeys and memories,» the airline said in a press release.

As part of the anniversary programme, the airline also showcased vintage uniforms, reflecting its legacy and honouring the generations of employees who have shaped Cathay Pacific’s service. Throughout 2026, around 1,000 to 2,000 cabin crew and ground staff will wear the heritage uniforms on duty, highlighting the airline’s evolution over the decades. Cathay is also rolling out a curated line of commemorative merchandise inspired by its retro liveries and iconic design elements from across its history, covering aviation, travel and lifestyle products.

“Looking ahead, through our investment of well over HK$100 billion into our fleet, cabin products, lounges and digital innovation, Cathay will continue to elevate the customer experience as we strive towards our refreshed vision to become our customers’ most loved service brand. At the same time, we remain steadfast in our commitment to strengthening Hong Kong’s status as a leading international aviation hub.”

Founded in 1946, Cathay Pacific has grown from a small regional operator into a global airline serving more than 100 destinations. The return of the retro livery honours that history while highlighting the airline’s ambitions for the future, with further anniversary events planned throughout the year.

L’article Cathay Pacific celebrates 80th anniversary with iconic retro livery est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

The irresistible magic of Christmas, a time of fairy tales, kindness, gifts, and unabashed joy, has clearly arrived in the Far East, particularly in Hong Kong. From 14 November 2025 to 4 January 2026, the city will be awash with festive colours, delighting locals and visitors alike with the “Winter Wonderland in Central” event.

HKTB Chairman Dr Peter Lam announced the details of this year’s festivities, noting that “this year’s Hong Kong WinterFest is being presented in a new format and features the most extensive lineup and richest event elements to date.”

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He added that the aim is “to create a strong festive atmosphere citywide and reinforce Hong Kong’s position as Asia’s top winter travel destination. We are delighted to collaborate with Hongkong Land to turn Central into a Winter Wonderland.”

The city will be decorated in classic Christmas colours and adorned with toy-themed wonders and carol performances, not to mention surprise appearances by the master of ceremonies himself: dear old Santa, instantly recognisable in his red costume, red hat, red cheeks, and long white beard.

A proper Christmas market with twelve chalets will welcome visitors around the 20-metre Christmas tree, which is roughly the height of a six-storey building and is wrapped in ribbons, lights, and oversized ornaments. The market will offer seasonal delicacies, gifts, and workshops. This magical programme will accompany the city’s landmarks, which will be illuminated for the first time as part of an ‘Immersive Light Show in Central.

@discoverhongkong [ Hong Kong WinterFest Sparkles in Central] Hong Kong WinterFest has officially kicked off and the Statue Square Gardens in Central has transformed into a magical Christmas Town! This year’s centrepiece is a stunning 20-metre outdoor Christmas tree, surrounded by festive photo spots, including: Starlight Train Station—complete with a charming mini train that whistles and puffs smoke Giant toy-themed installations featuring spaceships, jeeps, planes and more Surprise visits from Santa Claus Let’s fly into this enchanting Winter Wonderland in Central and see the magic unfold! From 28 November, Central will sparkle even brighter with an Immersive Light Show across eight iconic buildings in the area and a festive Christmas Market . Chater Road will also transform into a charming Starlight Boulevard, leading you to “Noëlia at LANDMARK” in the LANDMARK ATRIUM! Christmas Town 14 November 2025 – 4 January 2026 Statue Square Gardens (North & South), Central 15 November – 21 December 2025 Mon–Fri: 4–11:30pm Sat & Sun: 11am–11:30pm 22 December 2025 – 4 January 2026 Daily: 11am–11:30pm Extended hours on 24 & 25 December until 1am (Crowd control measures may affect entry on the night) Immersive Light Show in Central 28 November 2025 – 4 January 2026 Viewing area: Statue Square Gardens (South), Central 7:30–10:30pm Performances are held every 30 minutes on a recurring basis Starlight Boulevard End of November 2025 to January 2026 LANDMARK Atrium and Chater Road area, Central Event details: discoverhongkong.com/winterfest/joinus #DiscoverHongKong ♬ original sound – DiscoverHongKong

Charter Road will be transformed into Starlight Boulevard, with 30 lit trees creating an unmissable festive atmosphere. It will lead all the way to “Noëlia at LANDMARK”, a large-scale interactive installation which, according to the Hong Kong Tourism Board’s website, promises to deliver surprises and charm. The pedestrian footbridge will also be adorned with themed lights, and a new installation will be suspended from the entrance to Chater House.

For the first time, the eight iconic buildings in Central will synchronise to present an immersive, city-scale light show. Their façades will serve as a canvas for a variety of multimedia light and music shows and 3D projections. Reindeer, angels, and seasonal motifs will dance across glass towers and treetops in time to Christmas classics.

According to the HKTB, “this initiative enhances the holiday experience for locals and visitors alike, and stimulates the seasonal economy. We are grateful for the widespread support from industry partners, including the Quality Tourism Services Association, the Hong Kong Retail Management Association, and a wide range of attractions and shopping centres, all of whom are joining hands to offer festive dining and shopping deals and activities.”

In December, the HKTB will launch WinterFest Delights, offering over 300 deals on dining, shopping, attractions, and transport, all accessible via an online platform.

The grand finale will, of course, be the New Year’s Eve countdown and fireworks, which will usher in 2026 with lights and celebration, and, hopefully, offer the best auguries for the year ahead.

L’article Hong Kong unveils its most magical Christmas yet est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

The Hong Kong Airlines plane had 160 passengers and eight crew members on board when a fire broke out in one of the overhead compartments. When the smoke was detected, the flight was immediately diverted to Fuzhou Changle International Airport. However, flight personnel were able to extinguish the fire immediately using an extinguisher, according to the airline. Videos circulating on social media show cabin crew using water bottles on the source of the fire.

“Hong Kong Airlines flight HX115, departing from Hangzhou to Hong Kong today, diverted and landed safely in Fuzhou Changle International Airport due to a fire in the overhead compartment, which was successfully extinguished,” the airline said in a statement.

The Airbus A320 aircraft took off from Hangzhou at 12:20 pm and arrived in Fuzhou at 2:01 pm, according to data from flight tracking website Flightradar24. A replacement aircraft bringing the stranded passengers to Hong Kong was scheduled to arrive at 8:55 pm. None of the passengers or crew members were injured in the incident.

Although Hong Kong Airlines did not specify the possible cause of the fire, the South China Morning Post reported that it might have been caused by a faulty power bank, based on comments from some of the passengers who were on board during the incident. Hong Kong’s Civil Aviation Department will follow up on the matter with the airline once an investigation report has been submitted to the authorities.

Power banks cause new set of rules

Recently, power banks have been causing quite the uproar in the aviation industry. As of 1 March 2025, South Korea has introduced new rules regarding the use of lithium batteries on passenger planes following an incident on an Air Busan aircraft.

The new regulations require passengers to keep lithium-battery-powered devices in transparent bags and on their person, rather than in the overhead compartments. Moreover, charging is not permitted on board, and passengers are limited to five small power banks or e-cigarettes with a capacity of 100 watt-hours (Wh) or less.

L’article Hong Kong Airlines plane diverted due to possible power bank fire est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

Featuring state-of-the-art interactive exhibits, rare memorabilia and motivational storytelling, the museum (CR7 Life Museum) offers an immersive experience “designed to inspire greatness”, the organisers of the exhibition promise, adding that it is designed to be “a place where visitors not only celebrate the accomplishments of a global icon but also reflect on their own aspirations.”

This state-of-the-art museum celebrates Cristiano Ronaldo’s career and the power of ambition, passion, perseverance and hard work; a beacon of inspiration for fans and visitors.

K11 MUSEA

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In addition to the museum, two flagship merchandise stores will open in Tsim Sha Tsui and on Hong Kong Island between March and April 2025. Spanning over 3,000 square feet (almost 300 square metres) each, the stores will be the first of their kind in the world, offering exclusive Cristiano Ronaldo signed merchandise and memorabilia.

According to the striker’s website, besides an exhibition of his trophies, the museum will give visitors a comprehensive overview of his journey, giving insight into the “experiences that marked [his] career and life”. Some interactive experiences where “you control the experience and the information” are also promised, along with the opportunity to take a picture in Ronaldo’s UR7 YouTube studio,

“Capture my passion for football, experience the journey through my career: the places, the people, the trophies, the memories,” Ronaldo’s website reads about the museum.

This is my life, inside and outside the field, and can only be seen at the Life Museum in Hong Kong.

Cristiano Ronaldo

The first experience of its kind in Asia and expected to attract over 12 million visitors to Hong Kong, tickets for the museum went on sale on 5 February, on Ronaldo’s birthday, with early bird ticket buyers having access to exclusive benefits at the merchandise stores. However, the first batch of tickets, priced at HK $4,000 (€495) for a VIP tour, already sold out.

General admission tickets are going to be made available throughout the year during designated time slots, according to K11 MUSEA, and they will cost HK $180 (€22) for adults and HK $150 (€19) for seniors and children.

L’article Cristiano Ronaldo Life Museum to open in Hong Kong in July est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

Hong Kong is a bustling cosmopolitan city that continues to attract talented expatriates from every corner of the globe. With its unique blend of east and west, old and new, it is often perceived as an artistic, gastronomic and urban destination, which also never sleeps. Yet another surprising face offered to visitors is marked by lush nature in national parks and mountains.

In this episode, viewers will embark on a journey to discover the history of the island, learn about its famous streetcars, discover its rich gastronomy, go on a hike, and much more. Between the world’s megalopolis and nature’s treasures, Hong Kong offers a multitude of attractions.

1. British rule and history of streetcars

After more than a century and a half of British rule, the city returned to China as a Special Administrative Region in 1997. Although the city has been modernized, the traces of the British period are still very much present. One clear example are the double-decker streetcars that criss-cross its streets.

The tramway was introduced in Hong Kong in 1904, when it was virtually the only means of public transport serving the east of the Hong Kong Island and connecting to the west, starting with a single line in 1904 which gradually expanded and attracted more and more passengers.

In the beginning single-level streetcars were used. They became extremely popular given the population growth and the absence of other means of public transport and, in the 1910s, a type of balcony was introduced on the roof of single-decker streetcars, which offered the possibility to accommodate more passengers. In the 1920s, the roof was covered to form a second level and thus to give the “double-decker” streetcar with a design similar to the one that is known today.

Today, Hong Kong’s tramway is the only double-decker system in the world. The streetcars operate on a line that stretches from west to east across the Hong Kong Island and is divided into six main lines covering a total of 30 kilometres with 120 stops. The system transports an average of 150,000 passengers a day, making it one of the largest streetcar fleets in the world.

Most of the track is shared with the highway, other vehicles, as well as pedestrians and cyclists crossing the tracks. Car drivers and passersby need to be regularly alerted of the arrival of a streetcar to avoid accidents. The streetcar conductor operates a bell making a very recognizable sound. As a result, ‘Ding ding’ became the affectionate nickname given by Hong Kong residents to the streetcars.

2. Vibrant art scene

Hong Kong has seen a resurgence of art in recent years, with the influx and creation of local and international art spaces across the territory, particularly in and around the historic districts. M+ is located in the West Kowloon cultural district and is Asia’s first global museum of contemporary visual culture. Designed by world-renowned architecture firm Herzog & de Meuron, it opened to the public in November 2021. M+ showcases several fields including visual art, design and architecture.

It’s no surprise that Hong Kong is attracting a lot talented people, such as the French artist Elsa Jean de Dieu, whose basic training is decorative painting, faux wood, faux marble and trompe l’oeil. Over the years, whether as a painter-decorator in France or abroad, her sensibility evolved and now she doesn’t do the same decors anymore. “In Hong Kong I decided to create new sets, things that are very innovative,” she explains in the documentary.

She works a lot with a wide variety of materials – copper and gold leaf, for instance, are fairly recurrent in her art. Then at some point the Hoff asked her to do a mural for their restaurant, Uma Nota. “I said to myself, well, this isn’t something I’ve done before, I haven’t mastered spray painting, but I’m going to try,” says Jean de Dieu. “I’m an artist, I can succeed in doing something other than what I do indoors. It was the start of a new adventure.”

Street art is becoming increasingly popular in Hong Kong. In every corner, in every alleyway, visitors can find frescoes signed by renowned artists, including Jean de Dieu. Her signature is formed by characters and smiling faces.

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3. Shopping and markets

The world’s largest concentration of stores is in Hong Kong, and locals know how to make the most of it. Open every day, often until late at night, even casual travellers find it hard to resist. In Hong Kong, visitors expect to find nothing but skyscrapers, but in reality, at the foot of these modern buildings, you’ll find a whole section of truly popular culture: the markets. No matter which district the tourists will venture into, they will find these small vendors that are very popular with locals on a daily basis, offering clothes, meat, fish, fruit, vegetables, as well as Chinese medicine and religious items.

4. Gastronomy and Chef Olivier Elzer

Chef Olivier Elzer is from Alsace, France, and he’s very well known on the Hong Kong gastronomic scene. He likes to take his milk tea without sugar and a type of French toast that in Hong Kong is known ‘Sai do si’. “It is actually one of the origins of our French toast,” Elzer says in the episode. “They make their own version here. They add peanut butter. It’s moist, it’s tasty. It’s not our French toast, but it’s a very nice version.” According to Elzer, the Hong Kong version of the French toast has nice caramelization, plus the taste of peanuts, and hazelnut inside.

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He also reveals one of his favourite bakeries is Central, which stands next to his restaurant. Visitors can try the egg tart and pineapple bun, which are Hong Kong’s signatures. Locals and tourists alike love it. “It’s a bit like shortcrust pastry, a bit like a French flan with egg on top,” Elzer explains. “You have a nice sandy texture with the very tasty side of costard. So good, I love it.”

Chef Olivier Elzer heads up two restaurants in Hong Kong where he offers a new, lighter form of French-style gastronomy, without being fusion. An example is ‘Yunlong chicken’, which is actually farmed in the new territories. “I grill it with spices in a skillet,” he shows.

5. Diversity of islands

Hong Kong is made up of over 250 islands, many of them uninhabited. Getting away from the hustle and bustle of the city is easier than one might think. Cheung Chau is one of Hong Kong’s inhabited islands, only 2.5 km² in size, with 20,000 inhabitants, but nonetheless an island that represents a rich diversity, enabling locals the possibility to escape the urban jungle and enjoy nature, seafood restaurants and a little history. It’s a really easy getaway from the city, just half an hour by boat from the city, and it’s a complete change of scenery.

One of the must-see sites for visitors, showcased in the documentary, is the PakTai Temple, which was created in the 18^th century by fishermen to honour the Taoist god Pak Tai, “God of the Sea”. A few years earlier, in 1777, there had been a plague epidemic and many pirate attacks. It so happened that, after walking the effigy of Pak Tai around the island, the plague stopped and the pirates stopped bothering the villagers. The temple was built to thank him.

Cheung Chau is also an island for adventurers. Many have followed the path along the cliff in search of a lost cave once frequented by pirates. The cave is called Cheung Po Tsai, otherwise known as Cheung Po the child, one of the island’s most popular attractions. Cheung Po Tsai was one of the region’s most feared pirates, active in the early 19^th century. Legend has it that he hid his booty in this cave. Nothing has yet been found however.

6. Hiking and Hong Kong’s highest peak

Rising 957 metres above sea level, often covered in clouds, Tai Mo Shan is Hong Kong’s highest peak. Despite its altitude, it is accessible on foot, thanks to several hiking trails winding around the summit.

The route is around 12 km long. How much time the hike takes will depend on walking speed, but an average 4 hours with a lunch break is not unusual. The first part is relatively easy as it’s a mix of paved roads and forest paths. The second part is on the top of the mountain, with ups and downs, on regular trail roads, with rocks and stones, to finally join the main road and admire a unique view of Hong Kong. Hiking is the best way to get off the beaten track.

L’article New travel documentary on Hong Kong  premieres on TV5 Monde est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

The airline first started connecting Hong Kong with the Belgian capital in March 2018, but had to interrupt its services when the health crisis started, which will finally restart in August 2025 with four direct passenger flights a week, on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

The route will be flown with an energy-efficient Airbus A350-900, providing customers with fully flat beds in Business, spacious seats in Premium Economy and comfort in Economy cabins.

“We are very excited to be returning to Brussels next year, a city steeped in history and also an important political centre. These flights will provide our customers with a direct connection between our home city – a world-class international financial, commercial and aviation hub – and the heart of Europe. We look forward to welcoming many customers onboard this flight to experience our signature products and services”, said Lavinia Lau, Cathay Chief Customer and Commercial Officer.

Both Brussels and Hong Kong will benefit from the resumption of the connection, and so will their travellers. Hong Kong is a major added value for Brussels Airport’s intercontinental network, both for business and tourism travellers. In 2024, the destination attracted some 35,000 travellers from Belgium.

“We are delighted to welcome Cathay Pacific back to Brussels Airport. This direct route to Hong Kong reinforces our role as a European hub and provides our passengers with even more travel opportunities to Asia. For travellers from Hong Kong, our airport offers direct access to the capital of Europe and also serves as an excellent gateway to destinations across Europe. We look forward to a successful partnership,”, said Arnaud Feist, CEO of Brussels Airport. 

At the other end of the route, people travelling from Europe to Hong Kong can also connect to the Cathay Group’s extensive network of destinations in Asia-Pacific via its home hub, including 19 destinations in the Chinese Mainland served by Cathay Pacific and low-cost carrier HK Express. Within 2025, it is projected that the Cathay Group’s extensive passenger network will reach 100 destinations worldwide, including also the inauguration of a connection between Hong Kong and Munich, bringing the number of European destinations to 11.

“The landmark Three-Runway System at Hong Kong International Airport commissioned on November 28 is set to reinforce the Hong Kong status as an international aviation hub, increasing passenger capacity by 50% to 120 million annually, and doubling cargo handling volume to 10 million tonnes, also allowing flexibility to airlines to expand the city’s destination network”, Fiona Li, Deputy Representative of Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (HKETO) in Brussels told Travel Tomorrow.

In summer 2025, Cathay Pacific will be operating up to 93 return passenger flights per week to Europe, up from the current 78 flights per week. In addition to four weekly return flights to Brussels and Munich, the Hong Kong flag carrier will operate five daily flights to London, daily flights to Amsterdam, Frankfurt, Manchester, Milan, Paris and Zurich, and four weekly flights to Madrid and Barcelona each, the latter being a summer seasonal service.

L’article Cathay Pacific to reconnect Hong Kong and Brussels from August 2025 est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

Fully-enclosed seats

The ‘Aria Suite’, showcased at Hong Kong International Airport, will feature on select Boeing 777-300ER aircraft from 18 October 2024, Simple Flying reports, with passengers flying the airline’s Beijing route given first dibs, followed by those headed to Los Angeles and Vancouver.

Retaining the Business Class signature “reverse herringbone 1-2-1 layout”, passengers will still face windows not the aisle, but will benefit from  fully enclosed seats for the first time thanks to the addition of a suite door. Adjustable dividers and a fixed back shell will ensure no one is disturbed by a fully-reclined seat, according to press materials.

A colour scheme of “sandy, creamy tones” with marbling and woodgrain finishes giving “a touch of luxury”, will create a “serene atmosphere” the airline says, while “hidden cubbies and storage compartments” provide the practicality flyers need.

Advanced inflight technology

Also boasting unique “activity mode” settings, seat positions and lighting are adjustable for different phases of the flight, such as dining, relaxing and sleeping. For those that want to get some work done on board, high-powered charging pads, USB-A and USB-C ports, and complimentary Wi-Fi will ease the task.

Entertainment comes via a 24-inch 4K high-definition screen, Cathay Pacific’s largest, and Bluetooth headphone connectivity, as well as a sync feature that allows passengers to share viewing and listening experiences.

Culture, dining and pampering

Works of art by Hong Kong creatives will be on show too in Cathay Pacific’s “gallery in the skies” and flyers will be able to sample the flavours of the Asian city’s Cantonese and international cuisine with a “plant-forward” menu prepared by award-winning chefs and a selection of fine wines, champagne and even the airline’s own Betsy beer to wash it down.

And for flyers requiring some pampering, a skincare kit from British organic clothing and cosmetics brand Bamford, as well as 400-thread count cotton bedlinen, a sleep mask, slippers and pillows, are provided, helping passengers arrive at their destination feeling rested and at the top of their game.

A comprehensive re-design

Elsewhere, Premium Economy and Economy customers have not been forgotten in the refurb. Premium economy flyers have dedicated lavatories, and back in their seats they will find seat wings and dividers give them more privacy to enjoy their new 15.6-inch 4K screen with Bluetooth connectivity.  Over in economy seating there are improved ergonomics, flexible headrests and an enhanced entertainment interface.

Drawing attention to the extent of the “comprehensive” overhaul, the airline’s press release said the investment “reflects Cathay Pacific’s dedication to innovation and passenger comfort, setting a new benchmark for long-haul travel.”

L’article Cathay Pacific reveals new business class Aria Suite est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.