On June 16, the 2026 Hainan Cultural and Tourism Promotion Events, themed “Sunny Hainan · Heart's Desire,” took place in Hong Kong, drawing leaders from Hong Kong's cultural and tourism authorities, industry associations, and key enterprises from home and abroad. The events aimed to explore cooperation opportunities and outline the industry's future, with speeches from Liu Xiaoming, Governor of Hainan Province, and Cheuk Wing-hing, Deputy Chief Secretary for Administration of the Hong Kong SAR Government.
During the promotional session, Chen Tiejun, Director of the Department of Tourism, Culture, Radio, Television and Sports of Hainan Province, unveiled the “Top Ten Calling Cards of Hainan Tourism,” which received enthusiastic responses from Hong Kong sectors. Attendees agreed that Hong Kong and Hainan have highly complementary cultural and tourism resources and immense cooperation potential.
Since the launch of special customs operations of the Hainan Free Trade Port, its distinctive opening-up advantages—such as “zero tariffs, low tax rates, a simplified tax system” and “tariff exemption for value-added processing”—have become increasingly prominent. These policies have enhanced Hainan's attractiveness to businesses and opened broader opportunities for Hong Kong investors and entrepreneurs.
On the same day, at the “Invest in the Free Trade Port, Share New Opportunities” Symposium for Hong Kong Enterprises, four cooperation agreements were formally signed, covering high-end commerce, cultural and tourism integration, and regional industrial coordination. Hong Kong business representatives expressed strong interest in deepening their presence in Hainan.
Hainan and Hong Kong share a long history of cooperation, and favorable policies have been steadily introduced. Since the signing of the Hainan-Hong Kong Memorandum of Cooperation in March 2025, bilateral cooperation has accelerated. In 2025, goods trade between the two sides reached RMB 9.35 billion, more than double the 2020 figure. A total of 793 new Hong Kong-funded enterprises were established in Hainan, a year-on-year increase of 21.5%. Hainan has also issued offshore RMB bonds in Hong Kong for four consecutive years, with a cumulative total of RMB 18 billion. Currently, an average of four direct flights operate daily between Hong Kong and Hainan, with the fastest travel time under two hours, facilitating the rapid emergence of the “Hainan-Hong Kong Living Circle.”
These developments signal growing economic integration between Hainan and Hong Kong, offering new avenues for investment and tourism. For business leaders, the free trade port policies present opportunities for reduced tariffs and simplified tax structures, potentially lowering operational costs for Hong Kong enterprises expanding into Hainan. The cultural and tourism cooperation also promises enhanced travel experiences and cross-regional synergies, benefiting industries ranging from hospitality to retail. As the “Hainan-Hong Kong Living Circle” takes shape, the region could emerge as a dynamic hub for trade and tourism in Asia.
