HK unveils tourism hotspot development plan with 9 new projects

The Hong Kong government has unveiled the first phase of its tourism hotspot development plan, featuring nine projects designed to highlight the city's unique cultural and natural assets.

This follows chief executive John Lee's announcement during the 2024 Policy Address that a working group on developing tourist hotspots (發展旅遊熱點工作組) would be established, led by deputy chief secretary for administration Cheuk Wing Hing. It aims to enhance cross-departmental coordination and community efforts to identify and develop popular tourist hotspots in various districts.

Speaking at a press conference yesterday (20 May), Cheuk said the new normal in travel prioritises whether hotspots reflect Hong Kong's unique characteristics. Hong Kong has many hidden gems, and that, in addition to creating new attractions, existing tourism resources should be integrated and enriched to develop appealing hotspots that travellers won’t want to miss.

After gathering feedback from various sectors, the working group has selected nine projects that encompass a range of experiences, including themed tours (特色遊), eco-tours (生態遊), cultural tours (文化遊), in-depth tours (深度遊), photo spots tours (「打卡」遊), and local food tours (地道美食遊). These feasible options can be launched in the short term and highlight Hong Kong's unique characteristics, according to Cheuk.

“By enhancing both infrastructure and services through renovations, maintenance, and the opening of previously inaccessible areas, we aim to provide travellers with fresh experiences that are deeper, more engaging, and more interesting,” he added. 

The nine projects to be implemented are: Hong Kong industrial brand tourism (香港工業品牌旅遊), Victoria Park bazaar (維園市集), Tamar Park pink trumpet tree garden (添馬紫花風鈴木園), in-depth travel in old town Central (特色社區之舊城中環深度遊), in-depth travel in Kowloon City (特色社區之香港龍城深度遊), disciplinary services pioneer tours (紀律先鋒巡禮), opening of the former Yau Ma Tei Police Station (開放舊油麻地警署), "Four Peaks" tourism (「四山」旅遊), and Former Hung Hom Railway Freight Yard Pier revitalisation (發展前紅磡鐵路貨運碼頭).

Regarding industrial brand tourism, commissioner for tourism Angelina Cheung Fung said at the press conference that the working group had contacted several well-known local brands that attract travellers with their rich history and corporate culture, including Lee Kum Kee, Kee Wah Bakery, Pat Chun Hong Kong, and Yakult. Visitors to these facilities will have the opportunity to observe the food production process and learn about the brands' histories. Additionally, there will be commercial elements that enable guests to purchase unique souvenirs.

Furthermore, for the In-depth Travel in Old Town Central, Cheung Fung said that Central attracts tourists with its historic buildings such as Tai Kwun and its cultural offerings, including galleries and murals. It also features numerous dining and shopping options. The dining scene is diverse, ranging from upscale and Michelin-starred restaurants to local snacks, dai pai dong, and bars, appealing to a wide variety of travellers.

Hong Kong Tourism Board Executive Director Dane Cheng said that more than 30% of visitors post-pandemic now favor experiential travel over shopping. Meanwhile, Tommy Tam, chairman of the Travel Industry Council, said new training programmes for guides will equip professionals to highlight these revitalised attractions.

Don’t miss: HKTB to enhance visitor experience with AI-powered tourism map

Recently, Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) will introduce a digital tourism map next year that will provide real-time, artificial intelligence (AI)-powered trip planning and queue updates for popular attractions.

Speaking on i-CABLE’s programme Let’s Talk (有理有得傾) on Saturday (10 May), tourism commissioner Angelina Cheung Fung said the upcoming digital map aims to help distribute visitor flow by guiding tourists to attractions at different times. While the map is currently in development, it is expected to launch next year.

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