Hong Kong has set out a comprehensive strategy to enhance its appeal as a global tourism destination and a hub for major sports and cultural events, as outlined in 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, these measures are designed to integrate culture, sports, and tourism, reinforcing Hong Kong's role as an East-meets-West Centre for International Cultural Exchange.
The plan includes enriching high-quality tourism products, improving infrastructure, and deepening engagement with markets in the Chinese Mainland and worldwide. "Hong Kong is blessed with a unique cultural vision, shaped by both Chinese and foreign influences," Mr. Lee said. "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." This approach is expected to attract more visitors and stimulate economic activity across multiple sectors.
A key initiative is the establishment of a Support Unit for Non-local Film Productions to provide one-stop services for Mainland and overseas film crews, promoting "Film + Tourism" and showcasing Hong Kong's cinematic potential. Additionally, the Kai Tak Sports Park has already hosted over 170 international and local sports and cultural events, drawing more than 2.6 million spectators, demonstrating the city's capacity for mega events. The government will also explore redeveloping Victoria Park Centre Court into an all-weather, multi-purpose venue for larger-scale events.
Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism Rosanna Law highlighted the growing trend of multi-destination tourism, noting that 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 travelling onwards to the Chinese Mainland via Hong Kong has continued to rise, exceeding 20% in the first half of 2026," she said. This underscores Hong Kong's role as a gateway to the Greater Bay Area and beyond.
To capitalize on this, the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) will promote multi-destination itineraries, partner with airlines, and intensify overseas publicity. The "+ Tourism" initiatives will integrate events with tourism, extending visitor stays and generating value. For more information on Hong Kong's tourism offerings, visit Brand Hong Kong.
Developing the yacht economy is another focus. New yacht berth projects include the Aberdeen composite development, scheduled for tender in the first half of 2027, and the SKYTOPIA yacht bay. Starting May, Hong Kong and Macao yachts can navigate nine Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area cities with guarantee exemptions, and the first northbound yacht travel set sail in June. A memorandum with the Guangdong Maritime Safety Administration will facilitate southbound travel, boosting cross-boundary leisure consumption.
Furthermore, to attract Muslim travelers, the HKTB will extend the Hong Kong Restaurants Halal Certification Funding Scheme to the end of 2027, encouraging more halal food options. These strategies collectively aim to diversify Hong Kong's tourism offerings, drive economic growth, and solidify its status as a premier international destination.
