Hong Kong unveils specialised tourist guide licensing scheme

The initiative aims to develop guides with specialised expertise.

Hong Kong will introduce a specialised tourist guide licensing programme as part of efforts to strengthen tourism services and professionalise the sector.

Under the new programme, Chief Executive John Lee said in his 2026 Policy Address that the specialised tourist guide licences will be issued for individual professional areas.

The initiative is intended to encourage the tourism industry to cultivate guides with specialised knowledge.

The government will also work with tourism industry players and educational institutions to expand the talent pool of tourism professionals.

Measures will include strengthening the tourism industry's regulatory regime and talent development mechanisms.

Other plans include upgrading Muslim-friendly facilities and improving service quality across the tourism sector.

Hong Kong will also promote the use of smart technologies in tourism to support a more convenient and inclusive visitor environment and enhance the visitor experience.

The government said it will also continue upgrading tourism infrastructure and ancillary facilities as it seeks to strengthen Hong Kong's competitiveness as a tourism destination.