Hong Kong is setting out a comprehensive strategy to enhance its appeal as a global tourism destination, integrating culture, sports, and tourism under the First Five-Year Plan for Economic and Social Development (2026-2030) and the 2026 Policy Address announced by Chief Executive John Lee on September 16. The plan seeks to develop Hong Kong as an East-meets-West Centre for International Cultural Exchange, with measures to enrich tourism products, improve infrastructure, and deepen engagement with markets in the Chinese Mainland and worldwide.
Chief Executive Lee emphasized Hong Kong's unique cultural vision shaped by Chinese and foreign influences. "We will continue to engage and collaborate with Mainland and overseas culture, arts and creative sectors to consolidate Hong Kong's role as a hub for the exchange, collaboration and promotion of culture, arts and creativity," he said. New initiatives include setting up a Support Unit for Non-local Film Productions to provide one-stop services for film crews, promoting "Film + Tourism" to attract quality productions that showcase Hong Kong.
The Kai Tak Sports Park has already expanded Hong Kong's capacity for mega events, hosting over 170 international and local sports and cultural events with more than 2.6 million spectators. The government will explore redeveloping Victoria Park Centre Court into an iconic all-weather venue for larger-scale sports and performances, further solidifying Hong Kong's status as a events capital.
Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism Rosanna Law highlighted the growing trend of multi-destination tourism. Hong Kong welcomed around 36.67 million visitor arrivals in the first eight months of 2026, an 11% year-on-year increase. Over 20% of overseas visitors traveled onward to the Chinese Mainland via Hong Kong in the first half of 2026. The Hong Kong Tourism Board will promote multi-destination itineraries, partner with airlines, and intensify overseas publicity. It will also advance "+ Tourism" initiatives, integrating events with ecology, heritage, finance, and industrial brands to extend visitor stays.
The yacht economy is another focus. New yacht berth projects include a composite development in Aberdeen with a marina, recreational facilities, and residential components scheduled for tender in the first half of 2027, and the yacht bay project under Airport City "SKYTOPIA." Starting in May, Hong Kong and Macao yachts can navigate in nine Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area cities with guarantee exemptions. The Marine Department will sign a memorandum with the Guangdong Maritime Safety Administration for southbound yacht travel, boosting cross-boundary leisure consumption.
To attract Muslim visitors, the Hong Kong Tourism Board will extend the Hong Kong Restaurants Halal Certification Funding Scheme to the end of 2027, encouraging more halal food options. These strategies aim to add value to Hong Kong's tourism industry, drive economic growth, and reinforce its position as a premier global destination. For more information, visit Brand Hong Kong.
