HK revises tourism blueprint to adapt to new trends

Visitor arrivals from January to August reached 29.5 million.

The Tourism Strategy Committee discussed the proposed directions for the "Development Blueprint for Hong Kong’s Tourism Industry 2.0" and strategies to promote the theme "Tourism is Everywhere in Hong Kong."

Led by Secretary for Culture, Sports & Tourism, Kevin Yeung, the meeting encouraged tourism-related industries to adapt to changing travel patterns and visitor preferences. 

Yeung urged them to partner with the government to boost tourism and the economy by offering products that showcase Hong Kong's unique characteristics.

The discussion followed the announcement of 4.5 million visitor arrivals in August, a 9% year-on-year increase and the highest single-month total since the borders fully reopened in February 2023. 

Visitor arrivals from January to August reached 29.5 million, including 23 million from the Mainland and 6.5 million from overseas, an annual increase of 39% and 63%, respectively.

With this recovery, the government plans to continue collaborating with various sectors to enhance Hong Kong’s tourism competitiveness. 

Committee members endorsed the strategy of leveraging the city’s rich tourism resources and developing unique offerings. For example, the government proposed introducing giant panda-themed products following the gifting of two pandas, to offer visitors a distinct experience.

Yeung noted that 27 consultation sessions with more than 110 trade organisations have been completed for Blueprint 2.0, yielding over 1,000 recommendations. The final blueprint is expected to be published later this year. 

Suggestions were also made to boost island tourism, green tourism, and to incorporate technology to improve visitor experiences.

The Tourism Commission also shared updates on creative tourism projects, including the Sai Kung Hoi Arts Festival and Design District Hong Kong, both set to relaunch in November and December 2023.