Hong Kong is setting out a comprehensive strategy to strengthen its tourism industry, with a focus on culture, sports, and multi-destination travel. The First Five-Year Plan for Economic and Social Development of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (2026-2030) and the 2026 Policy Address, announced by Chief Executive John Lee on September 16, outline measures to enrich tourism products, improve infrastructure, and deepen engagement with mainland and global markets. These initiatives are crucial as they aim to reposition Hong Kong as an East-meets-West Centre for International Cultural Exchange, leveraging its unique cultural blend to attract visitors and drive economic growth.
Mr Lee emphasized the importance of cultural collaboration: "Hong Kong is blessed with a unique cultural vision, shaped by both 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. We will also host international cultural and arts exhibitions and performances to attract visitors to Hong Kong." This approach not only enhances the city's cultural appeal but also supports the integrated development of culture, sports, and tourism.
To support the film industry and promote "Film + Tourism," a Support Unit for Non-local Film Productions will be established to provide one-stop services for Mainland and overseas film crews. This is expected to attract more quality films and showcase Hong Kong's locations, further boosting tourism. Additionally, the Kai Tak Sports Park has already expanded capacity for mega events, hosting over 170 sessions and attracting 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 performance activities.
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. The proportion of overseas visitors traveling onward to the Chinese Mainland via Hong Kong exceeded 20% in the first half of 2026. The government will capitalize on measures to facilitate foreign visits to the Mainland, deepen collaboration with Mainland provinces, and explore additional immigration facilitation. The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) will promote multi-destination itineraries, partner with airlines, and intensify overseas publicity.
Furthermore, "+ Tourism" joint initiatives will integrate tourism with mega events, ecology, heritage, finance, and industrial brands to extend visitor stays. On the yacht economy, new berth projects are progressing, including the Aberdeen composite development and the SKYTOPIA yacht bay. Starting May, Hong Kong and Macao yachts can navigate in nine Greater Bay Area cities, with the first northbound travel in June. The Marine Department will sign a memorandum with Guangdong for southbound travel, boosting cross-boundary leisure consumption. For Muslim-friendly tourism, the HKTB will extend the Hong Kong Restaurants Halal Certification Funding Scheme to the end of 2027. For more information, visit Brand Hong Kong.
