Hong Kong Boosts Tourism Growth With Movie Trails, Mega Events And New International Travel Strategy

Hong Kong is to enhance tourism growth with movie trails and mega events. Hong Kong is set to fundamentally transform its tourism industry as it unveils a five-year development plan to boost film tourism, staging big sporting events, experiencing cultural offerings, island getaways, and to attract more international visitors, the city has developed its first tourism-focused blueprint for 2026-2030, seeking to raise the value of the tourism sector and enhance the appeal of the city as a destination for travellers who are looking to do more than shop.

The plan aims to raise tourism’s contribution from HK$86.2 billion in 2024 to HK$126 billion by 2030, representing a growth target of around 40 to 50 per cent. At the same time, efforts will be made to increase the share of non-mainland Chinese visitors among overnight travellers to 40 per cent by the end of the decade, strengthening Hong Kong’s position as a global tourism hub.

Hong Kong Builds New Tourism Experiences Through Film Heritage And Cultural Storytelling

A major focus of the new tourism strategy will be the development of themed travel routes based on Hong Kong’s famous filming locations. The initiative will allow visitors to discover the city through its cinematic identity while connecting movie landmarks with local neighbourhoods, traditions and everyday experiences.

The film tourism programme will highlight locations recognised from classic Hong Kong films and will encourage travellers to explore nearby attractions, restaurants, shopping areas and cultural sites. The approach is designed to transform familiar movie scenes into complete travel experiences rather than standalone sightseeing stops.

By combining cinema, culture and local lifestyle, Hong Kong aims to create a more emotional connection with international visitors. Travellers will not only visit locations where films were created but also experience the communities, food and heritage surrounding these areas.

The tourism strategy reflects a wider global trend where destinations are increasingly using popular culture, entertainment and storytelling to attract visitors. Film-inspired travel has become an important tourism segment, allowing destinations to showcase their identity through internationally recognised creative works.

New Film Tourism Campaign To Highlight Iconic Locations Across Hong Kong

A dedicated campaign promoting Hong Kong’s filming locations is expected to be introduced through tourism channels. The initiative will showcase the city’s recognisable urban landscapes and connect visitors with the places that have appeared on screen.

The programme will also encourage travellers to spend more time around these locations by highlighting nearby businesses and local experiences. Visitors will be guided towards recommended dining, shopping and cultural activities, creating wider economic benefits for surrounding communities.

Another important development will be the expansion of the film exhibition at the Old Yau Ma Tei Police Station. The second phase of the attraction is planned for opening in early 2027.

The exhibition has already attracted strong visitor interest, welcoming around 77,000 visitors during its first eight months. More than 90 per cent of registered visitors attended, showing growing demand for attractions connected with Hong Kong’s entertainment heritage.

The city will also establish a one-stop support unit for non-local film productions in the first quarter of 2027. The facility will assist overseas and mainland production teams seeking to film in Hong Kong.

Support will include help with:

• visa arrangements
• location coordination
• government approvals
• logistical planning

The move is expected to make Hong Kong more accessible for international film productions while strengthening its reputation as a creative tourism destination.

Hong Kong Targets Sports Tourism Growth With Victoria Park Upgrade Plan

Sports tourism will become another major pillar of Hong Kong’s future tourism development. Authorities are planning a study into upgrading Victoria Park’s Centre Court into a modern, all-weather, multipurpose venue capable of hosting larger sporting competitions and entertainment events.

The existing facility can currently support tournaments around the ATP 250 level. However, the proposed redevelopment would create a venue capable of hosting higher-level competitions, including events at least at the ATP 500 level.

The upgraded stadium would require capacity for approximately 7,000 spectators, along with improved facilities and supporting infrastructure.

The redevelopment is expected to strengthen Hong Kong’s position as a destination for international sporting events. Larger competitions can attract overseas visitors, increase hotel demand, support local businesses and create additional opportunities for sports-related travel.

Construction could begin within approximately four to five years, depending on the outcome of planning and development studies.

Tourism Strategy Connects Mega Events, Heritage And Lifestyle Experiences

Hong Kong’s tourism blueprint introduces a series of “+ Tourism” initiatives designed to connect travel with different industries and experiences.

The strategy will combine tourism with:

• mega-events
• finance
• industrial brands
• ecological conservation
• heritage
• sports
• culture

The aim is to move beyond traditional sightseeing and create deeper experiences that encourage visitors to stay longer and explore more areas of the city.

Future tourism development will also include:

• city walking routes
• culinary tourism
• horse racing experiences
• island-hopping activities
• yacht tourism
• urban renewal tourism

These experiences are expected to showcase different sides of Hong Kong, from its modern skyline and financial district to historic neighbourhoods, coastal areas and natural landscapes.

Hong Kong Promotes Island Tourism And New Homestay Opportunities

The tourism plan will also support the development of homestay accommodation on outlying islands. The initiative is designed to expand visitor options beyond the city centre and encourage travellers to discover quieter coastal communities.

Regulatory changes will allow greater flexibility when processing guest house licence applications for eligible buildings of three storeys or fewer.

However, operators will still need to meet important requirements, including:

• obtaining a valid guest house licence,
• following fire safety standards,
• complying with tourism regulations.

The expansion of island accommodation is expected to support local communities while providing visitors with more authentic travel experiences.

Hong Kong Strengthens Role As Gateway For Greater Bay Area Travel

Another key objective of the tourism strategy is positioning Hong Kong as a multi-destination travel gateway for international visitors exploring mainland China.

The city aims to become a southern gateway where overseas travellers can begin or end wider regional journeys. Through improved connectivity and convenient transport links, visitors will be encouraged to extend their trips into the Greater Bay Area and other mainland destinations.

This approach supports a growing trend towards multi-city travel, where tourists combine several destinations within one journey instead of focusing on a single location.

Hong Kong’s international airport connections, transport infrastructure and tourism facilities are expected to support this role as a regional travel connector.

Hong Kong Creates A Future-Focused Tourism Model For Global Travellers

The new tourism development plan represents a shift towards a more diverse and experience-driven tourism model. Instead of relying only on traditional attractions, Hong Kong is building a strategy based on storytelling, culture, sports, entertainment and local experiences.

By expanding film tourism, improving sports infrastructure, promoting island experiences and encouraging multi-destination travel, the city aims to strengthen its appeal among international visitors.

The next phase of tourism growth will focus on creating memorable journeys where travellers can experience Hong Kong’s history, creativity, lifestyle and global connections in new ways.

Hong Kong is set to boost its tourism growth through the development of movie trails, mega sporting events and a new strategy to attract more global visitors.

Under Hong Kong’s 2030 tourism vision, the city is set to position itself as a destination where cinema, culture, sports and modern urban experiences converge to drive the next-generation global tourism growth.