Hong Kong is set to strengthen its position as a global tourism destination through a comprehensive strategy announced 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. Chief Executive John Lee unveiled the measures on September 16, focusing on the integrated development of culture, sports, and tourism to develop Hong Kong as an East-meets-West Centre for International Cultural Exchange. The plan includes enriching high-quality tourism products, bolstering 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. We will also host international cultural and arts exhibitions and performances to attract visitors to Hong Kong."
A key initiative is the establishment of the Support Unit for Non-local Film Productions to provide one-stop services for Mainland and overseas film crews filming in Hong Kong. This supports the film industry and promotes "Film + Tourism," attracting more quality productions to showcase the city. Additionally, the government will explore redeveloping Victoria Park Centre Court and other ancillary facilities into an iconic all-weather, multi-purpose venue for larger-scale sports events and performances.
The Kai Tak Sports Park has already substantially expanded Hong Kong's capacity to host international mega events, with over 170 sessions of international and local sports and cultural entertainment events held there so far, attracting more than 2.6 million spectators. This demonstrates the city's growing appeal as a major events destination.
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 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, deepen collaboration with Mainland provinces, and explore additional immigration facilitation arrangements. The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) will promote multi-destination itineraries, partner with airlines, and intensify overseas publicity.
To further integrate tourism with various sectors, the government will take forward "+ Tourism" joint initiatives, linking 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 progressing, including the Aberdeen composite development tender scheduled for the first half of 2027 and the Airport City "SKYTOPIA" yacht bay project. Starting from May, Hong Kong and Macao yachts may navigate in nine Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area cities under temporary ship nationality registration, with the first northbound travel 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 strategies collectively aim to elevate Hong Kong's global standing, drive economic growth, and reinforce its role as a premier tourism and events hub. For more information, visit Brand Hong Kong.
