Hong Kong has set out a comprehensive strategy to enhance its tourism industry and position itself as a global hub for sports and cultural events. The First Five-Year Plan for Economic and Social Development of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) (2026-2030) and the 2026 Policy Address, announced by Chief Executive John Lee on September 16, focus on integrated development of culture, sports, and tourism to establish Hong Kong as an East-meets-West Centre for International Cultural Exchange.
The plan includes measures to enrich high-quality tourism products, improve infrastructure, and deepen 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."
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 film crews, attracting more quality productions to showcase Hong Kong.
Mr. Lee noted that the Kai Tak Sports Park has significantly expanded Hong Kong's capacity for mega events, hosting over 170 international and local sports and cultural events, attracting 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 sports and performances.
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 government will capitalize on Central Government measures to facilitate visits by foreign travelers to the Chinese Mainland, deepen collaboration with Mainland provinces, and explore additional immigration facilitation for international visitors. The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) will promote multi-destination itineraries, partner with airlines, and intensify overseas publicity. It will also advance "+ Tourism" initiatives integrating events with tourism to extend visitor stays and generate value.
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. Starting from May, Hong Kong and Macao yachts may navigate in nine Greater Bay Area cities without guarantee under temporary ship nationality registration. The first northbound yacht travel set sail in June, and 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 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 initiatives aim to diversify Hong Kong's tourism offerings and reinforce its status as a premier global destination.
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