Gov’t unveils major plans for culture, tourism, and sports

The region aims to strengthen its role as a top arts trading hub.

Chief Executive John Lee has announced a wide-ranging blueprint to boost Hong Kong’s global appeal through culture, tourism, and sports development.

In his 2025 Policy Address, Lee said that the region will strengthen its role as a top arts trading hub, with new facilities at Airport City and deeper collaboration with Art Basel.

The West Kowloon Cultural District will expand training, host more international events, and open WestK Quay this year to improve access.

The government will also promote Hong Kong Fashion Fest with Paris and Milan, support local films through the Cultural & Creative Industries Development Agency, and help designers create products with local cultural features.

The “tourism is everywhere” strategy includes new yacht berths, a monitoring system for visiting yachts, and cross-border travel facilitation.

The Kai Tak Cruise Terminal will undergo a new tender process, whilst the “Four Peaks” project will add adventure, cultural, and eco-tourism attractions.

Immersive tours, rural cycling routes, and access to restricted areas like Mai Po will also be introduced.

Restaurants will receive subsidies for Halal certification, and immigration will be streamlined with joint inspections, expanded e-Channel access, and a pilot contactless checkpoint.

Moreover, museums and leisure facilities will be opened for private hire and guided tours, with market operators invited to manage some beaches and camps. Intangible cultural heritage will be promoted across districts.

Hong Kong will also stage events for the 15th National Games and host more international competitions through a new partnership with LIV Golf.

The Kai Tak Sports Park will anchor “sports + mega events,” whilst direct support for elite athletes continues.

National sports associations will face tighter governance to strengthen Hong Kong’s international influence.