Hong Kong is setting out a comprehensive strategy to enhance its appeal as a global tourism destination and a hub for major sports and cultural events. The initiatives are part of the First Five-Year Plan for Economic and Social Development of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) (2026-2030) and the 2026 Policy Address, announced by Chief Executive John Lee on September 16. These measures are designed to develop Hong Kong as an East-meets-West Centre for International Cultural Exchange and to drive economic growth through tourism.
Central to the strategy is the integrated development of culture, sports, and tourism. The government plans to enrich the supply of high-quality tourism products, bolster infrastructure and ancillary facilities, and deepen engagement with markets in the Chinese Mainland and around the world. "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. We will also host international cultural and arts exhibitions and performances to attract visitors to Hong Kong."
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 aims to attract more quality films to be shot in Hong Kong, showcasing the city's diverse locations to a global audience. Additionally, the Kai Tak Sports Park has already substantially expanded Hong Kong's capacity to host international mega events, with over 170 sessions of international and local sports and cultural entertainment events held there so far, attracting more than 2.6 million spectators. The government will also explore the redevelopment of Victoria Park Centre Court into an iconic all-weather, multi-purpose venue for larger-scale sports and performance activities.
Hong Kong's Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Rosanna Law, highlighted the growing trend of multi-destination tourism. She noted 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," Ms Law said. The government will capitalize on measures to facilitate visits by foreign travellers to the Chinese Mainland and deepen collaboration with Mainland provinces. The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) will promote multi-destination travel itineraries, partner with airlines, and intensify overseas publicity.
The strategy also includes developing the yacht economy. New yacht berth projects are moving ahead, including a composite development in Aberdeen and the yacht bay project under Airport City "SKYTOPIA". Starting from May, Hong Kong and Macao yachts may navigate in nine Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area cities under temporary ship nationality registration, with the first northbound travel of yachts from Hong Kong setting sail in June. The Marine Department will soon sign a memorandum of understanding with the Guangdong Maritime Safety Administration for southbound travel, boosting cross-boundary leisure consumption.
Furthermore, to enhance Hong Kong's appeal as a Muslim-friendly destination, the HKTB will extend the Hong Kong Restaurants Halal Certification Funding Scheme to the end of 2027, encouraging more Muslim-friendly food options. These initiatives collectively underscore Hong Kong's commitment to diversifying its tourism offerings and reinforcing its status as a world-class destination. For more information, visit Brand Hong Kong.
