Hong Kong has committed proactively to promoting tourism as a vital driver of economic growth and cultural exchange. This dedication has been consistently reflected in its policy addresses over the years, which emphasize initiatives to elevate the city’s status as a premier global tourist destination. In his latest Budget speech, delivered in February, Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po committed to allocating HK$1.66 billion ($211.8 million) to the Hong Kong Tourism Board. The city’s tourism industry shows promise, boasting unique advantages, including its strategic geographic location, rich and diverse cultural resources, advanced infrastructure, and convenient transportation networks.
Hong Kong aspires to become the “events capital of Asia” and the “world’s meeting place”, hosting some of the world’s most significant mega-events and festivities throughout the year. According to Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism Rosanna Law Shuk-pui, mega-events and festivals are essential for reviving Hong Kong’s tourism sector. Unlike scenic spots that offer only momentary novelty that risk becoming monotonous, such mega-events can generate sustained interest and create lasting, memorable experiences for visitors, encouraging repeat visits to Hong Kong; they are particularly effective at attracting large numbers of visitors from the Chinese mainland, ultimately benefiting local hospitality, catering, logistics, and other industries.
While Hong Kong’s focus on hosting mega-events signals a strategic effort to boost tourism, based on key factors that could make each event a success, relying solely on this approach may not be sufficient to maintain a competitive edge amid increasingly coordinated regional development in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. Cities like Guangzhou and Shenzhen can also host cultural festivals, sporting competitions, and large-scale exhibitions, thanks to their comparable infrastructure, resources, and experience. This makes it challenging for Hong Kong to stand out solely on the basis of the scale of its events.
To enhance its competitiveness, Hong Kong should focus on promoting its unique local elements and cultivating a distinctive identity within the tourism industry. Such an identity could differentiate Hong Kong from regional competitors and foster long-term loyalty among visitors. Highlighting its rich local cultural heritage, cosmopolitan lifestyle, and iconic landmarks can help sustain Hong Kong’s appeal amid regional rivalry. Guangzhou and Shenzhen may remain competitive through their event-hosting capabilities, but lacking unique cultural or experiential identities vis-a-vis other mainland cities — from the prospective of many mainland residents, they risk becoming less compelling as a destination than Hong Kong. Hong Kong must therefore leverage what makes it truly unique and, perhaps, irreplaceable.
An initiative to develop Hong Kong as an East-meets-West center for international cultural exchange could capitalize on the city’s unique advantages. Regarding the “East” aspect, Hong Kong has launched the “Hong Kong Neighbourhoods” campaign to foster deeper engagement with local cultures. The city has leveraged its rich cultural heritage and organized a variety of traditional Chinese cultural activities to attract tourists from around the world. These offerings include the International Dragon Boat Races, the Mid-Autumn Lantern Carnival, and the International Chinese New Year Night Parade. Regarding the “West” aspect, however, tourism initiatives remain focused primarily on hosting festivals, such as Halloween celebrations, the Hong Kong WinterFest, and the New Year countdown celebrations. Unfortunately, these West-related activities can be easily replicated in other cities and lack the distinctive qualities needed to establish a truly unique tourism brand.
To enhance its competitiveness, Hong Kong should focus on promoting its unique local elements and cultivating a distinctive identity within the tourism industry. Such an identity could differentiate Hong Kong from regional competitors and foster long-term loyalty among visitors
Hong Kong’s extensive century-and-a-half British-rule history has profoundly influenced its urban layout, landscape, and cultural traditions. Even nearly 30 years after the 1997 handover, a significant presence of Western-style architecture, Western-named places, and public spaces designed according to Western planning principles continues to distinguish Hong Kong from its neighbors. Beyond these tangible elements, a rich tapestry of stories highlights Hong Kong’s role as a melting pot of Eastern and Western influences. To further develop its tourism industry, the city should emphasize and clearly communicate these exotic elements. In this way, the vision of an East-meets-West center for international cultural exchange can become a transformative force.
Hong Kong should go beyond merely organizing Western-themed festivals. The Hong Kong Tourism Board has made a promising start by offering a one-day itinerary that showcases notable architectural heritage sites reflecting British influence. Expanding these initiatives to include more comprehensive walking trails and themed tours — each enriched with stories from the city’s past and present — would deepen visitors’ engagement.
Moreover, establishing platforms or programs that involve and empower cultural and historical enthusiasts could enrich tourism development. For example, many tourists from the mainland are fascinated by Hong Kong’s unique place names. Supporters and local experts could provide explanations and stories during tours, shedding light specifically on how Chinese people interacted with Western people during the past.
Technology can also play a vital role. Artificial-intelligence-powered data analyses could identify visitor preferences and behavior.
Li Chen is an assistant professor, and Naubahar Sharif is a professor and head of the Department of Social Sciences and Policy Studies at the Education University of Hong Kong.
The views do not necessarily reflect those of China Daily.
