Hong Kong's jewellery retail sector registered double-digit growth in sales in January, thanks to a more favourable tourism and overall economic environment.

Data from the city's Census and Statistics Department showed that sales of jewellery, watches and clocks, and other valuable gifts rose 25.2 per cent to HK$5.54 billion (around US$708.4 million) in January.

Overall retail sales, including other top consumer goods, meanwhile, saw a moderate rise of 0.9 per cent to HK$36.5 billion (approximately US$4.67 billion).

According to the Hong Kong government, retail sales continued to increase year on year in January albeit at a slower pace due in part to the different timing of this year's Lunar New Year.

"Continued increase in visitor arrivals alongside further recovery of handling capacity and organisation of mega events would bode well for retail businesses," the government continued. "Rising household income and the government's initiatives in boosting consumption sentiment should also provide support."