Hong Kong turns focus to ‘in-depth tourism’

Hong Kong’s tourism chief said on Monday that authorities will discuss whether to roll out new measures in response to the latest change in the preferences and habits of travelers, with most of them now opting for "in-depth tourism" in the city.

His comments came after the Chief Executive announced in his policy address that the government would make changes to the Development Blueprint for Hong Kong’s Tourism Industry, encouraging the trade to provide more in-depth itinerary design and develop more thematic tours to showcase the city’s diversified cultural landscape.

Speaking on a radio program this morning, Kevin Yeung Yun-hung, the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, said mainland tourists mostly came to Hong Kong for shopping or sightseeing in the past, but the situation has changed in recent years, with many of them now prefer immersive experiences or visiting local neighborhoods to experience the lives of Hong Kong people.

The government will study whether to introduce new measures to cater to the change, he said.

Meanwhile, when asked about the demolition or damage to historically valuable buildings in recent years - which critics said has eroded collective memory and historical heritage, as well as undermining Hong Kong’s tourism resources, Yeung said the buildings could be promoted as an attraction

He said the buildings with historical value could be promoted as an attraction, yet such measures must be carried out in compliance with the law and take into account the overall development of the city.