Tourism Surge in Greater Bay Area as National Games Ignite Interest in Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macao Destinations, Here’s All You Need to Know

Published on November 17, 2025

As a dynamic sporting event, the 15th National Games of China are much more than principal spectacle world class sporting talent. Featuring a first of its kind hosting arrangement jointly conducted across three sites: Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macao, the Games provide a unique opportunity to promote regionally integrated collaboration and tourism to the Greater Bay Area. Beyond sporting attraction, the Games also certainly provide profound economic and tourism benefits. The Games have attracted visiting spectators and intricate observing participation to the sponsoring cities and to the regions with economic interaction and cultural activities, the local culture, and the purchase of a myriad of commercial products.

A Unique Collaboration Across Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macao

The 15th edition of China’s National Games is notable not only for its scale and competitiveness but also for its cross-border nature. Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macao have come together to host the event, a first in the history of the Games. This collaboration has led to a surge in tourism, as spectators and tourists are eager to visit not only the sports venues but also the surrounding attractions in each of these dynamic regions.

Visitors, many of whom have purchased tickets for specific sports events, are increasingly turning these trips into extended vacations by taking advantage of their access to various scenic spots and cultural landmarks. A simple ticket to a badminton match, for instance, can double as a pass to visit parks, cultural sites, and other attractions throughout the Greater Bay Area.

Tourists Explore Iconic Landmarks Across Shenzhen

In Shenzhen, a bustling metropolis in Guangdong, tourists are making the most of their tickets to the National Games by visiting some of the city’s most iconic attractions. For example, a group of tourists attending the badminton events has used their time in the city to explore famous sites like Lotus Mountain Park, Happy Harbor, and the Eye of the Greater Bay Area.

As Lai Xiaoheng, a tourist from Guangzhou, explains, “We’re here to watch the National Games in Shenzhen, but we also plan to visit the city’s popular landmarks. Guangdong is a host city of the Games, and we’re proud to showcase our region to visitors from all over the country.”

The Games have successfully transformed sporting events into a gateway to cultural exploration, allowing tourists to experience the best of Shenzhen while engaging in the excitement of the Games. This combination of sports and sightseeing is not only drawing more visitors but also contributing to the region’s economy through increased spending in hotels, restaurants, and other local businesses.

Tourism Surge: The Economic Impact on the Greater Bay Area

The economic effects of the National Games are particularly evident in the tourism and hospitality industries, which are experiencing substantial growth as a result of the event. According to Guan Jian, Director of Communications at GZL International Travel Service, the number of travel packages focused on sports tourism is projected to increase by 30% in November 2025 compared to the previous year.

“Driven by sports-themed tour groups, the number of travel packages in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area is expected to increase significantly,” Guan explains. “This influx of visitors is a clear indication of how the Games are attracting tourists who are eager to experience not only the sports but also the culture and hospitality of the region.”

Boosting Local Businesses: Restaurants, Hotels, and Attractions Benefit

One of the most notable effects of the National Games is the surge in spending across local businesses. Restaurants, hotels, and attractions in the host cities are reporting higher-than-usual customer numbers. For example, Lounge Bridge, a popular restaurant located in Shenzhen’s Happy Harbor, has experienced a 30% increase in customer flow during the event.

“During the National Games, we’ve seen a significant boost in business,” says Xu Hailun, the founder of Lounge Bridge. “The event has brought in many new visitors, both from across China and beyond, and we’re thrilled to be one of the businesses benefiting from this tourism surge.”

In addition to restaurants, hotels are also experiencing increased occupancy rates. Ye Changlin, General Manager at Skytel Shenzhen Shekou, shared that the hotel has seen an 18% year-on-year increase in occupancy during the event. Popular rooms have sold out quickly, particularly on weekends when key events are held.

“The National Games have been a major catalyst for the tourism and hospitality industry,” Ye explains. “We’ve seen a rise in bookings, especially for weekends when major events take place. This influx of visitors is a real boost to our business and to the region’s economy as a whole.”

The Power of Multi-Venue Sports Events for Regional Connection

The National Games have proven that multi-venue sports events can serve as powerful catalysts for regional connection and economic growth. The collaboration between Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macao to host the Games has not only drawn crowds to the stadiums but has also encouraged them to explore the diverse regions that make up the Greater Bay Area.

This cross-border tourism model—where sports fans are encouraged to explore neighboring cities and regions—has the potential to reshape how multi-city events are organized in the future. By offering tourists access to a broader range of experiences, the National Games have demonstrated how regional cooperation can foster economic development, cultural exchange, and mutual understanding.

Beyond the Sports: Turning Events into Experiences

What sets this year’s National Games apart is the way it has turned the event itself into a broader cultural and travel experience. For tourists, attending a match is just one part of their visit. Whether it’s savoring local delicacies in Shenzhen’s bustling restaurants, visiting iconic landmarks in Macao, or experiencing the vibrancy of Hong Kong, the National Games have become a gateway to a more immersive travel experience.

The event’s influence stretches far beyond the stadiums, fueling a sense of excitement and anticipation that resonates across the entire Greater Bay Area. The Games have become an opportunity for visitors to connect with the region on a deeper level, all while contributing to the local economy through their spending in hotels, restaurants, and shops.

A New Chapter for the Greater Bay Area

With the ongoing National Games, the influence of the event on the tourism market in the Greater Bay Area is remarkable. The Games offer a display of sport and athletic prowess, while also providing a boost to the economies of the various regions. The Games also enhance the spirit of tourism and regional cohesion. With an increased number of tourists utilising the GBA, the National Games are evidently not just a sports event, but a crucial milestone for positioning the National Games for future National and International sporting events.

The success of the Greater Bay Area National Games demonstrates the opportunity for future multi-venue sporting events to integrate diverse regions for the purpose of tourism and activation of local economies. Based on the Greater Bay Area, the National Games is the start of collaboration, economic stimulation and sharing of tourism.