HONG KONG – The government announced a new initiative on Saturday to identify and develop must-see tourist destinations across the city, in an effort to ease the workload of the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau.
In his third annual Policy Address, Chief Executive John Lee said a new working group led by Deputy Chief Secretary Warner Cheuk will focus on strengthening cross-departmental coordination and leveraging community efforts to uncover hidden gems beyond the iconic Victoria Harbour.
“Hong Kong of course has its own attractions. We already have Victoria Harbour, which we’ll continue to develop,” Lee said in a radio interview. “But we also have many other treasures. How can we showcase our Geopark? We’ve discussed this before. There are many various aspects. We hope to pay more attention to public opinion.”
The policy blueprint also outlined plans to develop Hong Kong into an international tertiary education hub by creating the “Study in Hong Kong” brand and encouraging more local students to pursue advanced studies.
Addressing concerns about the city’s high cost of living deterring exchange students, Lee said Hong Kong has much to offer with its freedoms, convenience, and cultural diversity.
“Sometimes I like a girl because she’s beautiful, sometimes because she’s virtuous, and sometimes because of her knowledge. Hong Kong also appeals in many ways,” he said.
The announcement comes as the government faces questions over delays in releasing a draft blueprint for the development of the arts, culture, and creative industries. Lee acknowledged that around four to five items in the 2023 Policy Address were behind schedule, but said he evaluates if the reasons for delays are justified.
Cultural and tourism minister Kevin Yeung said the blueprint is “nearly complete” and that the CE had not publicly urged him in any way.
The new working group on tourist hotspots is part of the government’s efforts to diversify Hong Kong’s economy and strengthen its appeal as a global destination.
