Hong Kong Tourism Board Executive Director Dane Cheng welcomes Miguel Linao (center) and his family as the millionth Filipino visitors to Hong Kong. Handout.

MANILA -- Hong Kong has welcomed its one millionth Filipino tourist of 2024.

In a statement, the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) said it welcomed Miguel Linao, his wife Ana, and their three children as the millionth Pinoy guests to Hong Kong for the year.

This number exceeds the 930,000 Filipino tourists the destination saw in 2018.

HKTB said the Philippines has a "growing role" as one of the key markets in the territory's tourism recovery.

"From January to October 2024, Filipino visitors made up 920,000 of the 2.3 million Southeast Asian arrivals, an impressive 127 percent recovery compared to pre-pandemic levels," HKTB said.

HKTB Executive Director Dane Cheng said the agency is thrilled that Hong Kong has become the top travel destination for Filipino travelers. 

Meanwhile, across Southeast Asia, tourist arrivals to Hong Kong have recovered to about 95 percent, cementing Southeast Asia’s position as the fastest-recovering market for Hong Kong tourism.

HKTB data showed that most travelers from Southeast Asia are young, stay an average of 3.4 nights in the area, and spend about HK$7,100 per trip.

In June, Ngong Ping 360 in Hong Kong offered Filipinos a 15 percent discount at select retail and food shops.

Its managing director said it is doing this to entice more Filipinos to visit Hong Kong and its cable car system, which is the longest in Asia.