The Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau (CSTB) has released the Development Blueprint for Hong Kong's Tourism Industry 2.0, outlining four strategic directions for the city’s tourism industry and proposing 133 measures. According to the report, “with the concerted efforts of all sectors”, the value of the tourism industry is expected to grow from $75.3 billion in 2023 to $120 billion in five years. The blueprint needs clear planning priorities and a structured, multilayered approach, ensuring diversity across various sectors. To achieve this, Hong Kong is advised to promote 10 segments within the cultural tourism industry: West Kowloon Cultural District (WKCD), the Urban Renewal Authority’s (URA) revitalization projects in old districts such as Yau Tsim Mong and Sham Shui Po, Hong Kong Disneyland, Ocean Park and Aberdeen, Kai Tak Development Area, the cruise terminal and Kai Tak Sports Park, country parks, the Countryside Conservation Office (CCO), under the Environment and Ecology Bureau (EEB), the Harbourfront Commission and maritime resources under the Development Bureau, Kwun Tong, Kowloon East and the space beneath flyovers, and Wong Tai Sin Temple.
For tourism to thrive, both infrastructure (hardware) and programmatic development (software) must complement each other seamlessly. Effective planning requires a clear and scalable road map. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government has laid out a solid framework, but the focus must now shift to strengthening each segment individually. Enhancing the cultural tourism experience is not merely about attracting visitors — it should also foster a new lifestyle for society. Historically, Hong Kong has prioritized travel efficiency and speed in infrastructure planning. However, future development must also incorporate cultural, communal, and creative economic elements to create a more holistic and enriching urban experience.
The WKCD operates as an independent institution, directly funded and regulated by the government. To enhance its role in the cultural tourism industry, the district should take the lead in fostering a vibrant economy cantered around communal life and cost-effectiveness. A more proactive development approach is needed for cultural venues, performance spaces, exhibition areas, and cultural and creative industries, rather than relying solely on commercial leasing. The real estate-driven model is proving unsustainable in the current challenging economic climate. By centralizing resources to create temporary indoor performance venues and exhibition spaces, the WKCD can significantly increase both the quantity and quality of cultural venues. Optimizing space utilization will help cultivate a diverse and dynamic ecosystem, enriching the cultural and creative tourism experience.
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The old districts of Hong Kong, with their unique appeal and charm, speak for themselves. Yau Tsim Mong and Sham Shui Po should be considered as a single segment for urban renewal and cultural tourism planning, with the URA assuming primary responsibility. Rather than demolition-based redevelopment, adaptive reuse of historical buildings is the preferred approach. Successful urban renewal projects in Singapore, Tokyo, and the Chinese mainland serve as valuable reference points. One notable example is Shantou Small Park, in Guangdong province, where the preservation of East-meets-West qilou (arcade) architecture demonstrates how historical conservation and revitalization can enhance cultural tourism. Similarly, Shanghai has not only preserved its lanes and siheyuan (courtyard houses) but has also revitalized many of its distinctive neighborhoods, such as Jing’an and Xuhui. Despite being one of the densest urban areas in the world, Yau Tsim Mong and Sham Shui Po accommodate both commercial and residential spaces, contributing to an architectural style that is uniquely Hong Kong.
How could the URA create more cultural and tourism experiences in the Yau Tsim Mong and Sham Shui Po districts using the revitalization model? Conservation strategies are essential for preserving cafes, diners, tea houses, and old-fashioned shops that embody distinctive Hong Kong character. Areas like Central and Sheung Wan could serve as highlights in this effort. Upper Lascar Row, with its century-long history, could well be transformed into an antique market. The URA must take on a greater role in community revitalization. The Sai Yee Street / Flower Market Road Development Scheme should evolve into an organic renewal project. The traditional luxury residence model, driven by large-scale infrastructure, is no longer effective in meeting community needs.
Turning to the theme park industry — how can Disneyland expand, and how can Ocean Park grow alongside the Aberdeen area? The riviera model of Sentosa Island in Singapore is an inspiring reference. The 2017 Policy Address proposed developing Northeast Lantau into a “leisure, entertainment, and tourism” hub. What is the outlook for this cultural tourism zone, and how can industrial models be cultivated? Consultation with leading cultural tourism conglomerates will be essential. Government officials should conduct thorough research instead of relying solely on contractor reports. It’s crucial for officials to embrace new planning methods, as traditional mechanisms and procedures — rooted in the 1990s — have been losing their edge and are less effective for Hong Kong. Reforming these mechanisms will be key to fostering industrial growth.
Industrialization should be viewed through the lens of financing logic. Cultural tourism projects typically require a longer investment horizon, with returns taking time to materialize; Disneyland serves as a prime example. For sustainable development, Hong Kong needs an industrial model similar to Disneyland’s. Strengthening the approach to industrial investment will depend on effective coordination between government policies and industry needs.
The cruise terminal and Kai Tak Sports Park should be considered integral components of the Kai Tak development. What is the best plan for Kai Tak? Should the Working Group on Developing Tourist Hotspots, led by the deputy chief secretary for administration, coordinate this effort? Both the cruise terminal and the sports park fall under the directorship of the CSTB. However, the cruise terminal has not yet achieved the anticipated economic impacts. Government officials must engage in research rather than solely relying on outsourcing to manage the cruise terminal. With 28 hectares available at Kai Tak Sports Park, are there specific guidelines for designing cultural and tourism spaces and their content? Beyond cultural and sports activities, should there be additional convention and exhibition projects in the Kai Tak Development Area? The cruise terminal could be repurposed as a convention, exhibition, and entertainment center, providing flexibility for various events. Will Kai Tak Sports Park meet the professional standards for hosting concerts, or should it serve other purposes? This requires a coordinated effort from the CSTB. Regarding industrialization, how can we achieve profitable investment?
The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) has abundant resources, managing 25 country parks covering a total area of over 40,000 hectares, as well as markets related to agriculture and fisheries, such as FarmFest and Wholesale Food Markets. These markets could adopt the business model of Tokyo’s Tsukiji market, integrating wholesale trading with cultural and culinary experiences. Adjacent to Sun Yat Sen Memorial Park is the 6.2-hectare Western Wholesale Food Market, managed by the AFCD and the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department. How can we ensure flexibility in land use by lifting certain restrictions? Is it feasible to connect Sun Yat Sen Memorial Park with Dried Seafood Street in Sheung Wan (from Wing Lok Street to Des Voeux Road West)? This connection could create a cluster of streets and recreational facilities that deliver a cultural and tourism experience like Kyoto’s Nishiki Market. This is precisely what the Working Group on Developing Tourist Hotspots should aim to achieve in terms of fostering cultural and tourism hotspots.
The CCO, under the EEB, was established in 2018, with the government allocating HK$1 billion ($130 million) to support various rural conservation efforts. The CCO oversees numerous ancient villages and farmland. In 2021, Hong Kong had approximately 4,077 hectares of agricultural land, with active land accounting for about 19 percent (763 hectares) and the remaining 3,314 hectares classified as derelict agricultural land. How can agricultural land and ancient villages be revitalized? Should discussions be held with prominent hotel owners and real estate developers in Hong Kong to conceive new cultural and tourism experiences? By integrating old villages, resorts of varying price ranges could be developed.
Is the current academic approach to revitalization effective? Is it cost-effective for organizations without experience in cultural tourism to manage such initiatives? Given that the Chinese mainland and Thailand are successfully running numerous cultural tourism projects, inviting resort owners from the mainland, Thailand and Japan to invest in Hong Kong could introduce new dynamics. On the other hand, is the EEB well-suited for this planning, or should the CSTB take charge? Alternatively, would it be best to leave coordination to the Working Group on Developing Tourist Hotspots?
A comprehensive plan is necessary to coordinate resources along both sides of Victoria Harbour, involving multiple government departments, including the Marine Department, Development Bureau, Harbourfront Commission, Town Planning Board, and Environmental Protection Department. Beyond the harborfront, should more piers be added to enhance maritime transport? If so, the Transport and Logistics Bureau should take the lead. Additionally, more maritime tourism projects could be introduced, such as a Hong Kong counterpart to Tokyo’s cruise ships and sightseeing cruises on the River Seine in Paris.
How can the Harbourfront Commission effectively utilize maritime resources? Ideally, the chief secretary for administration should oversee its cooperative efforts and direction, or the Development Bureau could take full responsibility for this initiative. However, achieving this requires interbureau and interdepartmental cooperation. Several key principles must guide the revitalization of both sides of Victoria Harbour. Tourism resources should be gathered to enhance experiences that are not only designed for tourists but can also be enjoyed by residents. Beyond firework displays, a range of activities should be curated and incorporated, necessitating long-, medium-, and short-term planning. This approach should prioritize cultural tourism experience planning rather than being solely engineering-led; harborfront infrastructure should complement cultural tourism experiences rather than simply providing shelters and seating.
The Energizing Kowloon East Office, established in 2012 under the Development Bureau, is responsible for leading the Energizing Kowloon East initiative, which aims to transform East Kowloon into a central commercial district. One of the place-making strategies, the “Fly the Flyover Operation” has transformed unused spaces beneath the Kwun Tong Bypass into creative arts and cultural spaces for public leisure. Locations such as the East Kowloon Cultural Centre, Kwun Tong Promenade and the spaces beneath Kwun Tong Bypass have enriched the cultural tourism resources available. However, greater coordination and integration are still needed.
East Kowloon can boast of Kwun Tong’s numerous traditions. Should they be strengthened to create a unique cultural and culinary experience? How can licensing issues for factory buildings be resolved? Rather than demolishing them, the focus should be on revitalising their use and developing new cultural tourism and culinary experiences, always with safety and industry considerations in mind. The spaces beneath the flyovers in Kwun Tong are not close to residential areas, so additional performance venues should be introduced. Support in terms of programming is also crucial, as existing venues tend to be narrowly professional. Enhancements could strengthen their functionality, allowing for the addition of exhibition halls, outdoor art galleries, performance spaces, and skateparks. With its rich cultural tourism resources and history, East Kowloon, located next to Kai Tak, could be successfully integrated into a large-scale development plan.
Wong Tai Sin district is the city’s most culturally significant community in terms of religion, home to notable sites such as Wong Tai Sin Temple, Nan Lian Garden, and Chi Lin Nunnery. Every Chinese New Year’s Eve, worshippers flock to Wong Tai Sin Temple to make their first incense offerings of the Lunar New Year, seeking blessings for the twelvemonth ahead. Given its rich cultural tourism resources, the district should enhance its accommodation facilities, offering a range of options at various prices. Nan Lian Garden, designed in the artistic style of the Tang Dynasty, features an array of trees, rocks, ponds, and architectural elements that create a tranquil ambience reminiscent of Kyoto. The surrounding area should be complemented with cultural tourism facilities that can host markets, drawing inspiration from Tokyo’s Nakamise-dori Street near Senso-ji (Asakusa Kannon Temple), where shops lining the streets sell street food and souvenirs.
There are also Morse Park and Wong Tai Sin Cultural Garden, which include sports halls, swimming pools, natural and artificial turf pitches for soccer, basketball courts, and tennis courts in Wong Tai Sin. How can these cultural tourism resources be revitalised? What job opportunities could be created? Establishing restaurants, bookstores, and craft shops are viable options, along with offering experiences related to religious culture, such as meditation and singing bowl workshops.
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Developing tourist hotspots requires long-term, medium-term, and short-term planning. Initiatives like “Night Vibes Hong Kong” could serve as a good starting point. However, satisfactory results will depend on enhancing these experiences, necessitating government efforts to create enduring attractions that appeal to visitors and residents alike, rather than relying on temporary draws like firework displays.
The author is a member of the Chinese Association of Hong Kong and Macao Studies and artistic director of Zuni Icosahedron.
The views do not necessarily reflect those of China Daily.
