At the end of the 2024, the HKSAR government published the “Blueprint for the development of Hong Kong’s tourism industry 2.0”, which sets out a number of new directions for development with innovative thinking. More than 400,000 people attended the fireworks display and the largest number of horse race day spectators since 2019, this demonstrates the potential of Hong Kong as a world-class tourist destination and the determination of the HKSAR Government and the industry to promote the development of the tourism industry.
On 30 December, the cultural, sports and Tourism Bureau of the HKSAR Government held a press conference to 2024 the “Blueprint for the development of Hong Kong’s tourism industry 2.0”, this paper introduces the core ideas, strategies and paths of the future development of Hong Kong’s tourism industry. Picture shows the secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism of the HKSAR Government, Luo Shupei (centre) , attending a press conference. China News Service Reporter, photo by Chen Yonuo
“Hong Kong’s traditional tourism advantages are obvious,” said Luo Shupei, the secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism of the HKSAR Government, heritage tours, green eco-tours and blue ocean tours are all available. The Willow of the Times has brought together Chinese and foreign cultures and created a unique charm for the city. However, the change of tourist travel patterns and consumption concept has brought challenges to the recovery of the tourism industry. “Hong Kong’s tourism industry needs to transform and seek change,” Luo Shupei stressed.
In recent years, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government has joined hands with the industry to seek a way out of the situation through innovative thinking. On the one hand, it has developed local tourism projects, accelerated the integration of cultural and sports tourism, and promoted the“Mega events economy” and“Panda Economy”, we will implement the concept of“Hong Kong is a city full of tourists”, launch the“Way of Hospitality” campaign, strengthen inter-departmental collaboration on large-scale events to ensure smooth arrangements, and enhance the travel experience of tourists.
On this basis, the blueprint for the development of Hong Kong’s tourism industry 2.0, which draws on the views of the industry, proposes four major positioning, four major development strategies and 133 measures for the development of Hong Kong’s tourism industry, it not only emphasizes the central government’s policy of benefiting Hong Kong and strengthening Hong Kong’s traditional tourism advantages, but also encourages the industry to explore new tourism resources. At the same time, it also puts forward a number of new concepts, such as vigorously developing horse racing tourism.
These measures are timely and timely. At the end of the 2024, the “Multiple-entry visa” policy for residents of Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, and the three-runway system at the Hong Kong International Airport were officially implemented. Air transport capacity was gradually restored, pushing up the number of inbound passengers. In 2025, the Kai Tak Sports Park will open in the first quarter. Renowned British band Coldplay and renowned singer Jay Chou are coming to Hong Kong to sing, adding to the “Mega events economy”. “Hong Kong” giant panda twins are“Growing Storm” after the spring festival in 2025 to meet the public, “Panda economy” ready to start. All these positive factors help Hong Kong’s tourism industry to move forward on the road of transformation.
January 1,2025 at 0:00, the theme of the“Happy Movement” of the New Year Fireworks Music Extravaganza staged over Victoria Harbour in Hong Kong. China news service correspondent, photo by Hou Yu
At the same time, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR-RRB- government has been working closely with various sectors. Taking the new year fireworks display as an example, the HKSAR Government has implemented special clearance arrangements with the relevant departments of Guangdong Province and Shenzhen Municipality to ensure smooth travel for visitors. MTR and bus operators have also extended their service hours and increased their frequency. A day after watching the show overnight from Hong Kong back to Shenzhen passengers described the“Experience of full points, smooth clearance.”. And more tourists choose to stay overnight in Hong Kong. Some members of the trade told me that compared with a year ago, the number of tourists staying overnight in Hong Kong after the New Year fireworks display has increased significantly, catering, retail, hotel and other industries also benefit from this.
“Tourism involves a number of service sectors, and the full development of the industry can not be achieved without the support and participation of the whole community.” As Luo Shupei said, if different sectors can co-operate with the policy and grasp the pulse and opportunities of the market, hong Kong’s tourism boom may be just around the corner, as events and festivals bring new energy and freshness to the city, bringing together tradition and innovation.