Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu is aiming to transform local beaches into prominent tourist destinations, thereby leveraging Hong Kong's existing hardware resources to enhance visitor experiences.
This came after the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) is set to adopt market-based business models by leasing out museum venues for commercial use and enhancing the operations of selected beaches, as noted in the latest Policy Address.
Lee said local beaches are a resource with pioneering value and take European beaches as an example. "Europe has so many beaches—if you haven't been to them, how can you claim to have been to Europe?" We hope Hong Kong will expand its beach tourism in the future, so that one day people will say, "You haven't been to that beach in Hong Kong? Are you kidding me? How could you miss it?"
Lee said that local beaches represent a valuable resource and referenced European beaches as a model for development.
"Europe has numerous beaches -- if one has not visited them, how can one claim to have experienced Europe?" he noted. "The objective is for Hong Kong to broaden its beach tourism sector in the future, fostering a narrative where individuals remark, "You have not visited that beach in Hong Kong? How could you miss it?"
When asked about whether the government would open Hong Kong Stadium for government, commercial, and academic use to support its operations, Lee said the venue infrastructure is critical for Hong Kong's development.
However, the city currently lacks sufficient venue resources for both arts and sports.
He said LCSD adopting market-based business models would release existing resources to the market, creating greater value for Hong Kong while implementing the concept proposed by Chinese president Xi Jin-ping that "an effective government should be combined with an efficient market."
John Lee further added that the current proposal regarding LCSD remains a preliminary concept. The government requires time to gain experience and refine outcomes.
He described the initiative as a significant breakthrough, acknowledging it may not satisfy everyone.
He urged all sectors not to dismiss the policy due to shortcomings in certain aspects, stressing that the government must embrace a spirit of reform—otherwise, "we may lose even more."
He assured that the government will strive to address issues throughout the process.
