Hong Kong is a world city with something for everyone, and the tourism sector, a major driving force of the economy, is one of the best showcases of its unique charm and advantages.

After the drought of the pandemic years, the industry is enjoying a rebound. The city welcomed over 4 million visitors in August, representing a 14% month-on-month increase. The total number of arrivals is expected to reach 30 million by the end of the year, according to Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) data. To boost growth and to shore up consumption, the authorities have launched several initiatives, including the multi-pronged “Night Vibes Hong Kong” campaign to give the city’s flagging after-dark economy the proverbial shot in the arm.  

One factor affecting the industry is the change in global travel trends since the Covid outbreak, especially in consumer preferences and the market environment: leisure travellers have become increasingly eco-minded and are looking for holistic holidays. To stay competitive and cater to this demand, Hong Kong must attract a wider demographic and higher yielding visitors. This includes free independent travellers (FIT) not just from the Mainland – who comprise a high percentage of visitors to Hong Kong – but also from overseas.

Pivoting away from the usual tourist haunts, shopping and traditional attractions, Hong Kong can streamline efforts to deliver tourism products that make this city so distinctive –  country parks with diverse flora and fauna, rich history and architecture, and intangible cultural heritage. Boosting the city as a centre of arts and culture, and offering a wider range of pop culture events and outdoor recreational activities, would also help to attract millennial and Gen-Z tourists travelling for unique experiences.

In his Policy Address last month, the Chief Executive announced that a blueprint 2.0 for Hong Kong’s tourism industry would be released next year, with a focus on developing signature tourism products. For example, the Cultural and Heritage Sites Local Tour Incentive Scheme will be transformed into the Characteristic Local Tourism Incentive Scheme, with the idea of offering in-depth itinerary design and training for the development of thematic tours in the industry. These include national history tours, green ecology tours, and marine and intangible cultural heritage experiences, among others.

Hong Kong also has the support of the Central Government for its development into an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange. This translates into opportunities for active collaboration with cities in the Greater Bay Area, thus enriching tourism resources through arts and culture.

Offering such diverse tourism experiences that go to the heart of what Hong Kong stands for will result in visitors returning home with good stories, showing the world that the city remains an inspiring and rewarding travel destination.

Patrick Yeung
ceo@chamber.org.hk