$1.23b set aside for more attractive tourism pitch

Ayra Wang and Jamie Liu

More than HK$1.23 billion will be allocated to the Hong Kong Tourism Board to revitalize the tourism industry and drive economic growth.

This will support the implementation of the concept of tourism is everywhere, which aims to enhance the city's global appeal.

Paul Chan said the board has signed a three-year global strategic partnership with Art Basel to feature immersive Hong Kong cultural experience zones at all four of its annual shows worldwide. The board will also support the hosting of more meetings, incentive travels, conventions and exhibitions, which are expected to bring an additional 183,000 visitors to the city and generate HK$1.4 billion in spending.

"We will step up efforts to promote a series of distinctive tourism products such as eco-tourism, panda tourism and horseracing tourism to enrich travel experiences," Chan said.

Resources will also be allocated to bolster the cruise industry, encouraging cruise lines to increase ship calls to Hong Kong, make overnight stops and use the city as a home port. Concessions will be offered for ships to berth at the Kai Tak Cruise Terminal during low seasons, further enhancing the city's position as a regional cruise hub.

The government will also continue to promote the city as a global capital for mega-events.

Chan revealed ongoing discussions with LIV Golf to explore a long-term partnership. In March, LIV Golf will stage a tournament here for the second successive year.

Chan expressed gratitude to the central government for resuming the multiple-entry Individual Visit Scheme for Shenzhen residents last December, noting that over 700,000 visitors came to Hong Kong under this scheme, boosting retail, catering and other sectors over the holidays.

In collaboration with HKTB, the government will focus on developing tourism markets in the Middle East and Southeast Asian regions to attract high-end visitors.

Efforts will include enhancing tourism-support facilities such as providing worship areas in hotels and training staff to better understand visitors' cultural backgrounds.

A new harborfront landmark is also set to rise in Hung Hom, featuring iconic commercial and residential developments, retail, dining and entertainment facilities, and a yacht club to promote yacht tourism.

The government has invited the MTR Corporation to conduct a development study on the waterfront and former pier sites south of Hung Hom Station. Proposals are expected by mid-2025.

Government sources said HKTB funding was reduced from HK$1.5 billion last year due to broader economic conditions and that more private sector support may be sought in the future.

Fireworks and drone shows may no longer be held monthly but in alignment with major events or festivals, such as the upcoming National Games, the sources said.

They added that HKTB took part in bidding for over 1,800 MICE events from February 2023 to the end of 2024, drawing more than 530,000 business travelers, whose high spending capacity is likely to spur more government backing.

The board welcomed the government's funding and said it will utilize it to develop MICE and cruise tourism as well as strengthen Hong Kong's appeal as a Muslim-friendly destination.

Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism Rosanna Law Shuk-pui welcomed the budget, saying her bureau will utilize resources to maximize the synergy of culture, sports and tourism while strengthening cooperation with all sectors to ensure greater development in those industries.