Internet access in Hong Kong has become near-ubiquitous, as 87 percent of consumers there have used the Internet in the past year, outpacing neighboring markets like Singapore, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand and Indonesia.

Hong Kong’s Individual Travel Scheme launched in 2003 has resulted in an influx of millions of mainland tourists to Hong Kong, where visitors from Mainland China have now become one of the biggest consumer segments. The growth of mainland tourists in 2010 has grown 26.3 percent compared to 2009 and has contributed to Hong Kong’s economic boom in recent years. In 2010, the number of mainland tourists arriving into Hong Kong reached 22.7 million, accounting for 60 percent of all tourists – triple Hong Kong’s population. Mainland tourists are spending …

Strong economic growth, more affluent populations and changing societies have transformed the way consumers throughout the Asia Pacific region shop for their groceries and other goods.

Growth in consumers’ use of social media is changing the media landscape across the world. In Asia Pacific it has become increasingly important for advertisers to understand what is driving this change and leverage its growing popularity.

Social media usage has seen unprecedented growth in Asia Pacific in the past year and is now one of the most critical trends in the online sector, according to Nielsen’s Asia Pacific Social Media Report.

All major indicators in Nielsen’s latest Online AdRelevance report suggested that more advertisers are turning to the online platform as part of their marketing plans.

Driven by a more positive outlook on job prospects and personal finances, Hong Kong consumers are boosting consumption and spending

The latest version of Nielsen’s Economic current shows signs of recovery, specifically in markets like China, India, Hong Kong and Brazil.

An increase in consumer confidence in Asian markets, as well as Brazil, continues to reflect signs that the economy is emerging from a global recession and, in some markets, the recovery is accelerating.

Global consumers are increasingly feeling confident about the economy and their finances. While Asia is leading the rebound, signs point to improved consumer behavior in other parts of the world.