Tension in the Middle East could push travelers to seek safer destinations like Hong Kong, said the chairman of the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) Peter Lam Kin-ngok on Monday.
During a media briefing in Beijing, Lam stated that while the tension has led to the cancellation of many flights, he believes the short-term impact on Hong Kong's tourism industry will be minimal.
He emphasized the importance of long-term planning for Hong Kong to adapt to shifts in the global environment, and expressed confidence in the city's continued appeal to international visitors, citing a robust line-up of upcoming major events designed to draw crowds.
Lam highlighted a year-on-year increase in tourist arrivals in January, which has provided a boost to the retail, hotel, and catering industries. He voiced optimism that these positive trends will further attract tourists and support Hong Kong’s ongoing economic recovery.
On the proposal to establish a Hong Kong branch venue for next year’s China Media Group (CMG) Spring Festival Gala, raised by a Hong Kong deputy to the National People’s Congress, Lam expressed full support while noting that the idea would require further discussions with Beijing.
Lam also praised the advanced robotics showcased at this year’s Gala and revealed that discussions have taken place with the Publicity Department of the Chinese Communist Party on leveraging Hong Kong’s international standing to help China’s cutting-edge AI technology gain global exposure.
Donnie Yen Chi-tan
Martial arts superstar Donnie Yen Chi-tan, who is also a member of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), commented that the Spring Festival Gala remains the most-watched television program across China each year.
Yen added that Hong Kong’s participation in the gala would allow the city’s entertainment industry and general public to be more integrated into the major national celebration.
When asked about aligning with the "15th Five-Year Plan," Yen suggested that Hong Kong filmmakers should work to expand the global reach of their platforms, using cinema to promote Chinese culture to international audiences.
He also stressed the importance of fostering diversified creative thinking within Hong Kong’s creative industries.
