The government has announced the first phase of its tourism hotspot development plan, featuring nine projects designed to highlight Hong Kong's unique cultural and natural assets, from revitalized historic sites to immersive neighborhood tours.
Deputy Chief Secretary for Administration Cheuk Wing-hing, who chairs the Working Group on Developing Tourist Hotspots, revealed the selected projects at a Tuesday press conference.
The lineup includes opening the former Yau Ma Tei Police Station for visitors to experience its cinematic fame, developing the disused Hung Hom Railway Freight Yard Pier into a 270-degree Victoria Harbour viewpoint, and creating a Pink Trumpet Tree Garden at Tamar Park to complement Central's waterfront attractions.
Two in-depth community tours - Old Town Central and Kowloon City - will connect visitors with local art installations, specialty shops, and dining establishments through smart tourism enhancements.
Cheuk emphasized these areas were chosen for their strong Hong Kong character, photogenic appeal, and ability to boost surrounding businesses.
For nature lovers, the "Four Peaks" tourism initiative will promote easier-to-access alternatives to the famous Four Trails - featuring The Peak, Lantau Peak, Tai Mo Shan, and Sai Kung Hoi.
"These offer stunning landscapes with lower difficulty, short distances, and convenient public transport," Cheuk noted, referencing recent film-induced hiking popularity.
Other projects include industrial tourism showcasing “Made in Hong Kong” brands and a "Disciplined Services Pioneer Tours" program highlighting the city's uniformed forces.
Hong Kong Tourism Board executive director Dane Cheng Ting-yat observed that over 30 percent of post-pandemic visitors now prefer experiential travel over shopping.
The Travel Industry Council's Tommy Tam Kwong-shun, meanwhile, confirmed new guide training programs will prepare professionals to showcase these revitalized attractions.
(Marco Lam)
