Hong Kong launched a new tourism blueprint on Monday, aiming to increase the sector’s value by HK$120 billion ($15.5 billion) and create 210,000 related jobs within five years with high-quality services and iconic products.

The Development Blueprint for Hong Kong's Tourism Industry 2.0, unveiled by the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau, is an update of the inaugural version released in 2017. It introduces four development strategies with a total of 133 specific measures to solidify Hong Kong as a premier global tourism destination and to realize the idea of "tourism is everywhere" in Hong Kong.

Authorities expect the new blueprint to bring a 60 percent rise in the value added by the tourism industry and a more than 40 percent increase in employment within the industry compared to 2023.

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A total of 46 initiatives are related to the development of unique tourism products with both local characteristics and international elements. It focuses on promoting the tourism industry’s closer integration with culture, sports, ecology, and events, including the development of island tourism, horse racing tourism, and the design of urban walking routes.

The blueprint also emphasizes tapping into diverse markets and attracting high-value overnight visitors.

It highlights the Middle East and ASEAN countries as significant sources of growth for Hong Kong's tourism industry in the future, while also aiming to consolidate the mainland visitor market, attract international exhibition events to Hong Kong, and encourage more cruise passengers to visit.

In terms of promoting smart tourism, the blueprint includes plans to popularize electronic payments. The Tourism Board will optimize the Discover Hong Kong one-stop travel information platform, and the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau will explore new arrangements to facilitate the purchase of same-day tickets for cultural performances.

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Furthermore, the blueprint aims to attract talent to enhance the quality of services and facilities in the tourism industry comprehensively. The Labour Department will review the Supplementary Labour Scheme, including industry applications for imported labor and related regulations.

Secretary for Culture, Sports, and Tourism Rosanna Law Shuk-pui said that in the post-pandemic era, people's travel and consumption patterns have evolved, necessitating the tourism industry to adapt to meet the changing demands of global travelers.

Law urged the industry to leverage the favorable measures launched by the nation, and called for support from all Hong Kong residents to boost tourism development. She also said she hopes the city can strengthen its traditional advantages in the field while exploring new tourism resources.

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In the 2023 Policy Address, Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu proposed updating the previous blueprint released in Oct 2017, formulating corresponding future work plans, specific actions, measures, and performance indicators to further drive different industries in promoting the development of the city's tourism industry collaboratively.

Contact the writer at stephyzhang@chinadailyhk.com