MR CHAN KIN-POR (in Cantonese): Thank you, Deputy President. The National 14th Five-Year Plan supports the development of Hong Kong into an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange, paving a new way for the future development of the tourism industry. Culture, sports and tourism can not only complement but reinforce each other’s developments. Culture and sports provide fascinating and diverse content that attracts tourists worldwide, presenting to visitors a range of tourism appeals in Hong Kong and maintaining its competitiveness. I thank Mr YIU Pak-leung for proposing the motion and some other Members for proposing their amendments so that the Council can discuss this issue.
After the resumption of cross-border travel with the Mainland, the travel patterns of tourists have changed. Shifting from the pre-pandemic emphasis on shopping, visitors now focus on exploring Hong Kong in depth. Amidst the rising “Citywalk” craze, Hong Kong, a city with a rich history and culture, must leverage this increasing trend to explore the commercial value of urban tourism. The Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau (“CSTB”) should communicate closely with the trades, encourage them to think outside the box, and develop more in-depth signature cultural, sports and tourism products
Hong Kong is rich in intangible cultural heritage, including the Cantonese Opera in performing arts; the Tai Hang Fire Dragon Dance and the Cheung Chau Jiao Festival in festival activities; the Wong Tai Sin belief and customs and the Tin Hau Festival in religious customs; and cheongsam in traditional craftsmanship. The industry can therefore develop different routes for city walks by taking inspiration from the various unique intangible cultural heritages and the distinct features of each district. Taking the “Temple Tours” as an example, tourists can begin by visiting Wong Tai Sin Temple, then ascend to Tsz Wan Shan to savour Sansui Dessert Tofu and conclude their journey by shopping in the Sha Tin town centre.
Furthermore, many tourists to Japan or Korea will rent kimonos or hanboks so that they can capture social media photos in temples and share them online. However, why isn’t this trend popular in Hong Kong? Imagine tourists from around the world wearing Qipao, taking a stroll along the nostalgic streets, immersing themselves in the ambience and essence of Hong Kong’s past. It is believed that this will not only give tourists a unique experience but also help promote Hong Kong on social media, providing tourists with a compelling reason to visit.
For festivals showcasing local characteristics, as well as our intangible cultural heritage, we should capitalize on them to step up external publicity. Close partnerships should also be fostered with the trade to develop more in-depth signature tourism products. These valuable cultural resources need to be vigorously protected, inherited and promoted, thereby creating wider room for the development of culture and tourism.
Hong Kong has long been a world‑renowned hub for cultural and sports events. Since these events play a vital role in attracting tourists from around the world, I suggest hosting a wider range of trendy cultural and sports events. Last weekend, the FIA World Rallycross Championship took place in Hong Kong, attracting numerous local citizens and overseas tourists. Certainly, when outsourcing similar projects in the future, we must prepare and organize them carefully to avoid any errors that may disappoint global viewers.
In addition, major events such as the Hong Kong Cyclothon, Hong Kong Sevens, Hong Kong Marathon, Hong Kong Wine and Dine Festival, International Jockeys’ Championship, Art Basel, and Fine Art Asia will attract high value-added overnight visitors. If they have had a great time in Hong Kong, their positive impression of Hong Kong is likely to bring them back. An increase in tourists will propel growth in the hotel, catering and retail industries, creating abundant business opportunities for tourism. To harness the full tourism potential presented by these cultural and sports events, CSTB should intensify publicity efforts on all fronts.
An in-depth integration of culture, sports and tourism is a vital path for the development of Hong Kong’s tourism industry. By strengthening cultural exchange and promotion, the revitalization of the tourism industry will undoubtedly yield additional economic and social advantages for Hong Kong. I hope the Government will work hand in hand with different sectors to pursue the development of this crucial endeavour.
Thank you, Deputy President.