HK-Singapore yachting alliance pushed amid rising demand in high-end marine tourism

Industry leaders are pushing for stronger Singapore-Hong Kong collaboration to develop Asia's yachting infrastructure amid growing luxury marine tourism demand.

The call follows the successful Southeast Asia Yachting Conference 2025 and Singapore Yachting Festival at ONE°15 Marina, which drew 13,000 visitors and displayed over 70 vessels including a 56-meter Australian catamaran.

Jonathan Sit Wing Tim, regional general manager (marina division) of the organizer SUTL Enterprise, noted Singapore's recent engagement with the yachting industry after years of limited policy support.

"Both cities see the economic potential," he said, advocating for regional cooperation between Hong Kong and Singapore over competition.

With Singapore marinas 90 percent full and facing crew shortages, Sit sees Hong Kong's planned SKYTOPIA development as complementary.

Sit said the airport-adjacent project combines berths with art facilities and connects to the Greater Bay Area - a key advantage as Chinese superyacht demand grows.

Hong Kong Boating Industry Association chairman Lawrence Chow Kaylun welcomed new marina projects but urged easier access for foreign yachts, citing how currently only crew with Hong Kong boat licenses can operate in local waters.

The association will submit policy proposals next month.

While acknowledging Hong Kong's delayed development compared to Singapore, Chow highlighted the city's natural advantages. "We have more islands and better waterscapes," he said, adding that planned marinas in Hung Hom, Aberdeen and Lamma Island could boost tourism.

(Ayra Wang)