Travel agents in Hong Kong report shifting travel patterns this summer as safety concerns and rising costs linked to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East prompt travelers to reconsider their routes to Europe and elsewhere. The war involving the United States, Israel, and Iran has led many residents to avoid connecting flights through the Gulf region, traditionally a major hub for long-haul travel.

Alex Lee Chun-ting, general manager of Miramar Travel, noted that while the conflict initially dampened interest in Europe-bound tours, demand has since rebounded, with an anticipated overall increase of about 3 percent in long-haul bookings compared to last year. Lee attributed the resurgence to travelers seeking alternatives to Middle Eastern stopovers, highlighting a growing trend to transit via mainland Chinese cities such as Shanghai or Beijing. These routes have become more attractive amid improved airport facilities and airline services across the border, alongside competitive group discounts offered to travel agencies.

For popular destinations like London, economy flights connecting through mainland Chinese hubs were reported to be HK$1,000 to HK$2,000 cheaper than direct departures from Hong Kong during the peak summer season, though these figures exclude fuel surcharges and taxes. Lee also pointed to a significant 30 percent rise in travel to mainland China itself, supported by enhanced infrastructure, including upgraded restroom facilities that better meet Hong Kong travelers’ preferences.

Carmen Chan Hiu-nam, chief operating officer at Goldjoy Holidays, observed that roughly half of their clients scheduled for European tours in March and April chose to proceed by routing through the mainland, while about 30 percent requested refunds, and the remainder postponed travel plans within a year. Chan emphasized that the mainland transit option was primarily utilized by travelers with urgent needs, such as students, workers, or family visits, rather than those traveling for leisure. She further noted that the cost advantages of mainland transit flights were sometimes offset by higher fuel surcharges applied in Hong Kong.

Meanwhile, EGL Tours’ executive director Steve Huen Kwok-chuen reported a 20 percent year-on-year increase in tours to Japan, supported by a favorable exchange rate. However, growth in mainland-bound tours showed only a modest uptick, given that visits across the border had already reached high volumes in recent years. Huen acknowledged that travelers remained cautious in finalizing summer holiday plans, partly due to elevated fuel surcharges slowing tour group bookings by approximately 10 percent compared to the previous year.

Overall, the ongoing conflict in the Middle East has altered travel dynamics for Hong Kong residents, with many exploring mainland transit routes as a safer and potentially more economical option, even as some costs and uncertainties continue to shape consumer behavior.