Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu’s latest Policy Address outlined measures covering mega events, finance, heritage and eco-tourism to encourage longer stays and higher visitor spending, The Standard reported.
The Hong Kong Tourism Board will designate three themed seasons each year as part of a mega-event framework: the International Arts Season from February to May, the Chinese Arts Season from June to September, and the Festive Mega Events Season from October to February.
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Tourists take selfies along the Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront in Hong Kong. Photo by Reuters |
In a statement Wednesday, the tourism board chairman Peter Lam Kin-ngok thanked the authorities for their continued support and funding, saying tourism remains an important pillar of the economy and a driver of growth.
The board will promote a year-round calendar of international mega events to strengthen Hong Kong’s position as an events hub in Asia.
It will also encourage the tourism industry to develop what it calls the “ticket stub economy,” encouraging visitors to spend more beyond event tickets and expanding the use of artificial intelligence to improve the visitor experience.
Hong Kong received 5.5 million visitors in August, an increase of 6% year-on-year and the highest monthly figure since the Covid-19, driven by major international MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions) events and mega events, the South China Morning Post reported.
In the first eight months of this year, Hong Kong recorded 36.67 million visitor arrivals, a 11% increase over the same period last year.
The city expects to welcome 53 million visitors this year.