Hong Kong Appoints Retired Olympic Fencing Gold Medalist Kong to the Tourism Strategy Committee, Promoting Sustainable Tourism Growth

Published on December 30, 2025

Kong retired as an Olympic fencing gold medallist and was appointed by Hong Kong to the Tourism Strategy Committee for two years starting on January 1, 2026. Kong, who will also be sworn in as a tourism-sector lawmaker in Hong Kong’s “patriots-only” legislature, is set to play a crucial role in developing the sustainable development of the city’s tourism trade.

Tourism Strategy Committee: A Fresh Vision for Hong Kong’s Tourism Development

Kong will join six other new members on the Tourism Strategy Committee, which is tasked with driving the growth and sustainability of Hong Kong’s tourism industry. The committee is chaired by Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Rosanna Law, and Kong’s appointment is seen as a strategic move to bring fresh perspectives to the development of Hong Kong’s tourism sector.

The newly appointed members also include lawmaker-elect Chris Ip and Syed Asim Hussain, the founder of Black Sheep Restaurants. Together, they will work alongside nine reappointed members, including incumbent tourism lawmaker Perry Yiu, who was re-elected in the Election Committee constituency following the December 7, 2025 polls.

A New Chapter for Kong: Balancing Lawmaking and Tourism Promotion

Kong, who is the youngest lawmaker of the new Legislative Council (LegCo), is expected to make significant contributions to Hong Kong’s tourism development. Having been appointed to the committee, she will also help promote initiatives related to horse racing tourism in her new capacity as a consultant with the Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC). After retiring from fencing, Kong joined the HKJC in August 2024 as an assistant external affairs manager, but she will transition to the consultant role in January, in alignment with her new responsibilities as a lawmaker.

Despite her busy schedule as a lawmaker, Kong will continue to contribute to tourism growth, leveraging her position to promote Hong Kong’s tourism offerings both in the legislative sphere and through her consultancy role at the HKJC. Her new position is expected to bring a youthful energy and fresh insights into how Hong Kong can diversify and expand its tourism attractions, especially in the sports tourism segment.

Key Players in Hong Kong’s Tourism Strategy

The committee is also strengthened by the presence of key industry leaders in the tourism sector. Peter Lam, chairperson of the Hong Kong Tourism Board, and Kevin Lam, chairperson of the Travel Industry Authority, are also appointed to the committee as ex officio members. Tommy Tam, chairperson of the Travel Industry Council of Hong Kong, completes the list of influential leaders guiding the committee’s efforts.

Government Acknowledges Departing Committee Members

In its announcement, the government also expressed its gratitude to departing members, including outgoing lawmaker Paul Tse and industry veteran Allan Zeman, for their valuable contributions to the committee and the broader tourism industry in Hong Kong. Their departure marks the end of an era, but the committee’s new appointments signal a revitalized focus on the future of tourism.

Kong’s Contribution to Hong Kong’s Tourism Future

As a prominent figure in both sports and tourism, Kong’s appointment to the Tourism Strategy Committee reflects Hong Kong’s commitment to fostering a dynamic tourism environment that incorporates sustainability, cultural exchange, and sports tourism. Her dual role as a lawmaker and tourism committee member will give her a unique position to shape policies that will help drive Hong Kong’s tourism into the future.

Her involvement in the legislative process will help ensure that tourism-related policies are not only innovative but also inclusive of various tourism sectors, particularly sports tourism and emerging markets like horse racing tourism. Kong’s extensive sports background combined with her new legislative role positions her as a potential game-changer for Hong Kong’s evolving tourism landscape.

A Bright Future for Hong Kong’s Tourism Industry

Kong’s appointment to the Tourism Strategy Committee, along with her current role as a lawmaker, will be crucial in pushing forward future tourism development in Hong Kong. Each day that passes changes global tourism; thus, the Hong Kong government is focusing strategically on sports tourism and halal tourism, while at the same time giving full attention to sustainable practice.

By capitalizing on new trends, developing distinctive offerings, and fostering stronger global partnerships, Hong Kong is bound not only to recover from the challenges of the past but also to thrive in the future tourism landscape, ensuring long-term growth and global competitiveness. The innovative leadership of Kong will be at the forefront of this transformation-a legacy that will shape the city’s tourism well into the future.