Hong Kong is setting out strategies to enhance the appeal of its tourism industry and add value to the sector, 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.
The plan focuses on integrated development of culture, sports, and tourism to establish Hong Kong as an East-meets-West Centre for International Cultural Exchange. Measures include enriching high-quality tourism products, bolstering infrastructure, and deepening engagement with markets in the Chinese Mainland and globally. "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, attracting more quality films to showcase Hong Kong. Additionally, the Kai Tak Sports Park has substantially expanded capacity for international mega events, hosting over 170 sessions that attracted more than 2.6 million spectators. The government will explore redeveloping Victoria Park Centre Court into an iconic all-weather, multi-purpose venue for larger-scale sports and performance activities.
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," Ms. Law said. The government will capitalize on Central Government measures to facilitate foreign visits to the Mainland, deepen collaboration with Mainland provinces, and explore additional immigration facilitation for international visitors. The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) will promote multi-destination itineraries, partner with airlines, and intensify overseas publicity. It will also advance "+ Tourism" initiatives integrating events with tourism to extend visitor stays and generate value through mega events, ecology, heritage, finance, and industrial brands.
On the yacht economy, Mr. Lee announced new berth projects, including a composite development in Aberdeen with a marina, recreational facilities, and residential units scheduled for tender in the first half of 2027, 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 with guarantee exemptions under temporary ship nationality registration. The first northbound yacht travel from Hong Kong set sail in June, and the Marine Department will soon sign a memorandum of understanding with the Guangdong Maritime Safety Administration for southbound travel, boosting cross-boundary leisure consumption.
To enhance its 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 are expected to significantly impact the tourism and related industries, driving economic growth and reinforcing Hong Kong's position as a global hub for culture, sports, and tourism. More information can be found at https://www.brandhk.gov.hk/.
