Travel agencies report a growing interest among Hong Kong residents in visiting Central Asia, attracted by its allure and strengthening business ties with mainland China.

The mystique of Central Asia and its deepening business ties with mainland China have prompted more Hongkongers to choose the region for holidays, according to travel agency heads. They were also optimistic that Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu’s high-level visit to Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan this week would further promote Central Asia, encouraging residents to step off the beaten path and explore the region’s lesser-known tourism spots. Alex Lee Chun-ting, general manager of Miramar Travel,...