Hong Kong’s tourism sector took a cautious approach to recovery immediately after a deadly blaze broke out on November 26, 2025 with several events and festive celebrations cancelled out of respect. These included the 2025 Sun Hung Kai Hong Kong Cyclothon scheduled for November 30 and Oxfam Trailwalker 2025, which was due to take place from November 28 to 30 last year.
Some tourism-related activities resumed in early December following a brief suspension. Christmas Town at Statue Square and the laser light show A Symphony of Lights returned on December 10, while Hong Kong Disneyland restarted its nightly musical light-and-drone show on December 8 after an 11-day pause.
The Hong Kong Tourism Board’s New Year Countdown was also adjusted in format, with a focus on conveying positivity and blessings. Fireworks were cancelled, and celebrations were relocated to the Chater Road Pedestrian Precinct in Central, featuring a live music performance by Air Supply followed by a light show themed New Hopes, New Beginnings to mark the start of the new year.
Elsewhere, multiple countdown activities were held across the city, including the New Year’s Eve Countdown Party Moment at Hong Kong Disneyland and a special countdown concert held for the first time at the West Kowloon Cultural District, as locals and visitors welcomed 2026.
An anonymous travel trade stakeholder said the impact on visitors had been limited, apart from the cancellation of fireworks, which was widely understood. He shared: “Hotel operators anticipated some cancellations for the New Year’s Eve due to fireworks cancellation and relocation of countdown, particularly rooms offering harbour views. We expected more visitors than last year, but the government will play down the forecast.”
Prince Travel director of sales Wing Wong said he hoped the city would gradually return to normal after weeks of tributes and public support.
He commented: “As 2026 begins, Hong Kong enters a new chapter with the newly-elected lawmakers of the eighth Legislative Council taking office. We have to move forward step by step. I am optimistic for this year because our economy becomes (more) stable and more events and sports-related activities are lined up, (such as the) 2026 Lions International Convention which returns to Hong Kong this July.”
Travel Industry Council executive director Fanny Yeung said the families affected by the fire would likely want the community to move forward.
“Travel trade is keen to see the upcoming Chinese New Year Fireworks Display continue, (alongside) a series of experiences and celebrations, such as the Chinese New Year night parade,” she added.
Destination China general manager and owner Gunther Homerlein noted he had received messages from clients, though none questioned whether events would proceed.
“Those most affected were really the travellers arriving immediately after the fires with several events delayed or postponed. Due to the time of the year, not so much of that was MICE,” he pointed out.
He observed that, amid broader global news, the fires were likely to be recognised during Chinese New Year but were not expected to have a major impact on planned activities and celebrations. He added that while the incident would have a significant effect on the families involved and their immediate circles, it was unlikely to disrupt festivities more widely.
