Hong Kong has announced a comprehensive strategy to strengthen its tourism industry and position itself as a leading global destination. The First Five-Year Plan for Economic and Social Development of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (2026-2030) and the 2026 Policy Address, presented by Chief Executive John Lee on September 16, outline measures to integrate culture, sports, and tourism, aiming to develop Hong Kong as an East-meets-West Centre for International Cultural Exchange.
The plan focuses on 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."
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 productions to showcase Hong Kong. The Kai Tak Sports Park has already expanded the city's capacity to host international mega events, with over 170 sessions held and more than 2.6 million spectators attracted. The government will also explore redeveloping Victoria Park Centre Court into an iconic all-weather, multi-purpose venue for larger-scale sports and performance events.
Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism Rosanna Law highlighted the growing trend of multi-destination tourism. 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 Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) will promote multi-destination itineraries, partner with airlines, and intensify overseas publicity.
The government will also advance "+ Tourism" joint initiatives, integrating tourism with mega events, ecology, heritage, finance, and industrial brands to extend visitor stays and generate value. On the yacht economy, new berth projects are moving forward, including the Aberdeen composite development and the SKYTOPIA yacht bay. Starting from May, Hong Kong and Macao yachts can navigate in nine Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area cities, with the first northbound travel in June. The Marine Department will 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 boost Hong Kong's tourism sector, drive economic growth, and reinforce its status as a global hub for culture, sports, and tourism. For more information, visit Brand Hong Kong.
