Hong Kong has set out a comprehensive strategy to strengthen its tourism industry, integrating culture, sports, and tourism under the First Five-Year Plan for Economic and Social Development (2026-2030) and the 2026 Policy Address announced by Chief Executive John Lee. The plan seeks to develop Hong Kong as an East-meets-West Centre for International Cultural Exchange, with measures to enrich tourism products, improve infrastructure, and deepen engagement with mainland and global markets.
Mr Lee emphasized Hong Kong's unique cultural vision shaped by Chinese and foreign influences, stating, "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." This includes hosting international exhibitions and performances to attract visitors. The establishment of a Support Unit for Non-local Film Productions will provide one-stop services for mainland and overseas film crews, promoting "Film + Tourism" and attracting more quality productions to showcase Hong Kong.
The Kai Tak Sports Park has already expanded Hong Kong's capacity for mega events, hosting over 170 international and local sports and cultural entertainment sessions with 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 events and performances.
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 traveling onwards to the Chinese Mainland via Hong Kong exceeded 20% in the first half of 2026. The government will capitalize on central government measures to facilitate foreign visits to the mainland and explore additional immigration arrangements for international visitors. The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) will promote multi-destination itineraries, partner with airlines, and intensify overseas publicity.
"+ Tourism" joint initiatives will integrate events with tourism to extend visitor stays and generate value, covering mega events, ecology, heritage, finance, and industrial brands. On the yacht economy, new berth projects are progressing, including the Aberdeen composite development tender in the first half of 2027 and the SKYTOPIA yacht bay project. Since May, Hong Kong and Macao yachts can navigate in nine Greater Bay Area cities with guarantee exemptions, and the first northbound yacht travel from Hong Kong set sail in June. The Marine Department will sign a memorandum with the Guangdong Maritime Safety Administration for southbound travel, boosting cross-boundary leisure consumption.
To enhance Muslim-friendly tourism, the HKTB will extend the Hong Kong Restaurants Halal Certification Funding Scheme to the end of 2027, encouraging more halal food options. These strategies are expected to significantly boost Hong Kong's appeal as a global tourism destination, driving economic growth and reinforcing its status as a cultural and events hub. For more information, visit Brand Hong Kong.
