The tourism industry in Hong Kong has experienced an unprecedented resurrection, as the number of visitors that came to the city has exceeded the combined number of visitors from the previous year in the first 11 months of 2025. The impact brought about by this resurrection is a clear manifestation of the commitment of the said city to the regeneration of its tourism industry after the occurrence of the pandemic, and this can be primarily attributed to those programs that are spearheaded by significant personalities such as Rosanna Law, the Secretary for Culture, Sports, and Tourism of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) Government. In a recent interview held with Xu Hua of CGTN, Secretary Law discussed the factors that contributed to this resurrection of its tourism industry.

Tourism Growth Driven by Infrastructure and Major Events

Hong Kong’s tourism resurgence is the result of a variety of initiatives aimed at enriching the city’s appeal as a global destination. One of the key factors behind the success is the opening of the state-of-the-art Kai Tak Sports Park, a significant addition to Hong Kong’s infrastructure. This facility, which houses the Kai Tak Main Stadium, has already hosted several high-profile events, including concerts and international football matches. The stadium has attracted thousands of visitors, particularly from mainland China and Southeast Asia, significantly boosting the number of tourists visiting the city.

In addition to the new sports facilities, Hong Kong played a key role in hosting the National Games this year, a prestigious event that saw collaboration between Hong Kong, Guangdong Province, and Macao SAR. According to Secretary Law, the successful hosting of this event showcased Hong Kong’s ability to manage major sporting spectacles, further enhancing the city’s image as a global hub for events. The Games not only helped raise Hong Kong’s profile in the international sporting community but also contributed to its tourism resurgence by drawing attendees and athletes from across China and beyond.

Furthermore, Secretary Law emphasized the role of mega-events in sustaining tourism in Hong Kong. The city is known for hosting a calendar of large-scale events, and this year was no exception. These mega-events, which range from international conferences and trade shows to festivals and concerts, provide tourists with compelling reasons to visit Hong Kong throughout the year. By ensuring there is something to look forward to every month, the government has successfully cultivated a steady flow of visitors, each seeking to experience something new and exciting.

Leveraging the Greater Bay Area for Tourism Integration

As part of China’s broader 15th Five-Year Plan, Hong Kong is positioned to benefit from the region’s integration into the overall national development strategy. Secretary Law highlighted how this plan supports Hong Kong’s efforts to become a focal point for cultural, sports, and tourism exchanges between China and the rest of the world. One of the significant opportunities presented by this integration is Hong Kong’s role within the Greater Bay Area (GBA), a regional economic zone that includes nine cities in Guangdong Province, along with Hong Kong and Macao. The GBA, with a combined population of over 70 million people, is positioned to become a powerhouse in both economic and cultural exchanges.

The strategic positioning of Hong Kong within the GBA allows for seamless travel between cities in the region, creating a unique opportunity for tourists to explore multiple destinations within one trip. Secretary Law explained that this multi-destination approach is set to enhance Hong Kong’s appeal to travelers, offering them not just the vibrant city life of Hong Kong but also access to other major GBA cities like Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Zhuhai. With over half of the world’s population within five hours’ reach of Hong Kong by air, the region’s connectivity makes it an attractive destination for international travelers looking to explore more than one city in a single journey.

Cultural and Sports Integration to Attract Global Visitors

Hong Kong has long been a cultural bridge between East and West, and Secretary Law emphasized that the city will continue to capitalize on this unique position by showcasing its diverse cultural heritage. Through events that celebrate both traditional Chinese culture and Western influences, Hong Kong has established itself as a hub for cultural exchange. This year, the city has seen increasing numbers of cultural tourists drawn to exhibitions, performances, and festivals that highlight the fusion of these two rich traditions.

In addition to culture, Hong Kong has seen success in the sports arena, especially after the National Games. Secretary Law emphasized the importance of hosting more national, regional, and international championships in the coming years. These events will not only contribute to Hong Kong’s standing as a global sporting destination but will also attract fans, athletes, and tourists from across the world, further boosting the city’s tourism numbers.

The Role of Tourism in Strengthening Global Ties

Secretary Law also discussed the growing role of tourism in enhancing cooperation and exchange between China and the rest of the world. With Hong Kong strategically positioned at the crossroads of Asia and the world, it has the potential to act as a gateway for international visitors seeking to engage with Chinese culture and business. By fostering stronger ties with countries across the globe, Hong Kong’s tourism sector aims to become a key driver of not just economic growth but also cultural diplomacy.

The tourism revival also supports Hong Kong’s broader objective of showcasing its status as a global city, offering travelers a dynamic blend of modern urban experiences, rich cultural heritage, and world-class facilities. In doing so, the city hopes to attract tourists not only from mainland China and Southeast Asia but also from Europe, North America, and beyond.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Hong Kong Tourism

With the number of visitors to Hong Kong already exceeding forecasts for this year, the future for the tourism sector seems brighter than ever. The fact that Hong Kong continues to invest in its infrastructure, major events, and its significance within the Greater Bay Area means that Hong Kong will continue to remain a destination of choice for tourists from every corner of the world. As Hong Kong further establishes itself within the realms of being a hub for culture and sports, Hong Kong will continue to embrace what makes it unique – its position that bridges the East and West.

Hong Kong’s revival in the tourism sector is thus the result of certain well-thought-out plans and strategies, which include their emphasis on capitalizing on their competitiveness in terms of culture, sports, and tourism. Hong Kong’s integration with the Great Bay Area and their success in mega-events and international sporting and culture exchanges have thus helped them not only revitalize but also set a new dimension in world tourism in the 21st century.