Hong Kong is setting out an ambitious strategy to strengthen its position as a global tourism destination, with a focus on integrating culture, sports, and tourism. 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 markets in the Chinese Mainland and worldwide. The plan aims to develop Hong Kong as an East-meets-West Centre for International Cultural Exchange, leveraging its unique cultural blend.
Central to the strategy is the support of the film industry through the establishment of a Support Unit for Non-local Film Productions, which will provide one-stop services for Mainland and overseas film crews. This "Film + Tourism" initiative is designed to attract more quality productions that showcase Hong Kong. The Kai Tak Sports Park has already demonstrated the city's capacity for mega events, hosting over 170 sessions of international and local sports and cultural entertainment events, drawing more than 2.6 million spectators. The government will also explore redeveloping Victoria Park Centre Court into an iconic all-weather, multi-purpose venue for larger-scale events.
Tourism figures are encouraging: Hong Kong welcomed around 36.67 million visitor arrivals in the first eight months of 2026, an 11% year-on-year increase. Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism Rosanna Law noted that the proportion of overseas visitors traveling onward to the Chinese Mainland via Hong Kong exceeded 20% in the first half of 2026. This multi-destination trend is being capitalized on through collaboration with Mainland provinces and the Hong Kong Tourism Board's (HKTB) promotion of multi-destination itineraries and joint initiatives that integrate tourism with mega events, ecology, heritage, finance, and industrial brands.
The yacht economy is another key focus. New yacht berth projects include a composite development in Aberdeen scheduled for tender in the first half of 2027 and the yacht bay project under the 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, and the first northbound travel of yachts from Hong Kong set 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.
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, detailed by Media OutReach Newswire, are part of a broader effort to position Hong Kong as a leading global destination. For the travel industry, this means new opportunities for collaboration and product development, while travelers can expect a richer, more diverse experience. The plan underscores Hong Kong's commitment to maintaining its competitive edge in the global tourism market. More information is available at https://www.brandhk.gov.hk/.
