Enhancement work for 20 hiking trails set to be completed by 2026

The enhancement work for the 20 hiking trails in the city is expected to be completed by the first quarter of 2026, according to the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism Rosanna Law Shuk-pui.

To promote green tourism, the Tourism Commission and the Agriculture, Fisheries, and Conservation Department (AFCD) have been driving the Enhancement of Hiking Trails initiative since 2018, which aims to improve tourism support facilities for 20 popular hiking trails and the "Enjoy Hiking" thematic website.

Speaking at a Legco meeting on Wednesday, Law revealed that improvement work on 12 hiking trails has been completed, with the remaining eight trails projected to be finished by the first quarter of next year.

Law emphasized the department's commitment to optimizing the hiking trail and country park facilities, including installing 57 flushing toilets, over 120 portable toilets, 289 pavilions, 37 water filling stations and about 30 drinks vending machines.

Law also mentioned that the government has earmarked HK$500 million for renovation and additional facilities in country parks, involving the construction of the low-carbon and environmentally-friendly designed toilets, which are scheduled to be rolled out from 2026 to 2028. 

Law stated large-scale enhancement facilities such as tree-top adventure and open museum of historical relics will be gradually constructed, citing the viewing platform overlooking Po Pin Chau and the Lin Ma Hang Lead Mine Revitalisation Project were opened to the public at the end of 2024.

Meanwhile, she highlighted the AFCD's effort in promoting the city's natural scenery and hiking experience through school visits, guided tours, online videos and social media,  as well as offering hiking safety information and the advocation of "take your litter home."

To further attract tourists to visit the city's natural landscape, the "Hong Kong Great Outdoors" year-round promotional platform, introduces different hiking trails, alongside stories, docent activities and related tourism products.

Law also pointed out the film as an effective promotional channel, referencing "Four Trails" which documented recent trail-running events against the backdrop of the city's scenery.

She stressed that the government will continue promoting green tourism based on the principles of nature conservation and sustainable development to achieve "tourism is everywhere" in the city.