Retail sales of jewellery and other luxury items in Hong Kong surged in November 2023, buoyed by a marked recovery in inbound tourism, latest government data revealed.

According to the city’s Census and Statistics Department, sales of jewellery, watches and clocks, and valuable gifts rose 60.8 per cent in November to HK$4.68 billion (around US$599 million) while January to November figures were up 55.4 per cent to HK$54.7 billion (approximately US$7 billion) year on year. 

Meanwhile, total retail sales across all categories increased by 15.9 per cent in November when compared to the same month in 2022 while a 17.1 per cent uptick was recorded from January to November 2023.

Latest data from the Hong Kong Tourism Board showed around 3.3 million visitors arrived in Hong Kong in November 2023, compared to only 55,069 visitors during the same month in 2022. 

Hong Kong said the retail sector would continue to benefit from steady growth in inbound tourism, supported by improved household incomes and other promotional activities to spur spending.