Dr Peter Lam Kin-ngok, GBM, GBS
Over the past year, Hong Kong’s tourism industry has advanced with confidence, demonstrating
robust
growth and innovative vitality.
This success reflects the Government’s policy guidance, the close cooperation of industry
partners,
and
the collective support of the community for the work of the Hong Kong Tourism Board
(HKTB).
This year’s annual report adopts strategic collaboration as its theme, “Driving Success
Together”,
capturing the shared spirit of the Government, the tourism industry, and the HKTB in seeking new
opportunities amid change and creating value through diversification.
Harnessing tourism to enhance Hong Kong’s strengths
Against a backdrop of global economic uncertainty and intensifying regional competition, tourism’s role
extends far beyond
sightseeing and consumption. It has become a key driver for promoting urban development, facilitating
cultural exchange, and
powering international connectivity.
I firmly believe tourism not only helps drive economic
growth; it also serves as a powerful platform for showcasing a city’s soft power.
The power of
tourism can be demonstrated in three ways:
First, Hong Kong, as a leading international
metropolis in Asia, enjoys unique geographic advantages,
world-class infrastructure, open institutions, and a stable environment. It is the only global city that
simultaneously unites the strengths of both the Chinese Mainland and the world, providing an ideal
platform for enterprises to expand across Asia and beyond.
The HKTB will continue to leverage the
strong support from the Motherland and our close connections to the world. We remain committed to acting
as a “super-connector,” linking the Chinese Mainland with the rest of the world, attracting more
visitors and investors.
The HKTB actively promotes the multi-destination tourism model, deepening
cooperation with other cities in the Greater Bay Area (GBA), developing a unique tourism brand for
global markets, attracting more leisure visitors from around the world as well as international
conferences and exhibitions to our city. This further consolidates our position as a regional
hub.
Second, tourism is a vital platform for expanding networks and facilitating exchange.
Through tourism, we strengthen our ties with the world and establish more robust cooperative
relationships. Beyond our traditional source markets, the HKTB is committed to developing new markets,
particularly Muslim visitors from the Middle East and ASEAN regions. By promoting Hong Kong as a
Muslim-friendly destination, we expand our visitor base and enhance our global
reach.
Third,
tourism effectively showcases the city’s appeal and tells Hong Kong’s story. Hong Kong is a vibrant and
creative city, rich in cultural, artistic, and festive activities. Through the promotion of mega events,
cultural tourism, and community experiences, we highlight Hong Kong’s diversity and innovative drive,
strengthening its international reputation.
The HKTB will continue to roll out and promote
flagship mega events and encourage the industry to harness Hong Kong’s distinctive characteristics to
create diversified tourism experiences. By attracting visitors to extend their stay and engaging them in
our story, we showcase Hong Kong’s unique appeal and development potential to the world.
A clear framework for development
At the end of 2024, the Government announced the “Development Blueprint for Hong Kong’s
Tourism Industry 2.0”, setting a clear course for the city’s long-term tourism growth.
Guided by
the core principles of Blueprint 2.0, the HKTB will continue to collaborate with stakeholders to drive
innovation, seize emerging opportunities, and expand high-value-added tourism markets.
Through
visionary planning, innovative thinking, and resilient implementation, the HKTB will continue to work
closely with our partners and stakeholders to elevate Hong Kong’s tourism industry to a new stage of
development and reinforce the city’s standing as a premier global destination.
