Hong Kong is casting a wide net for tourists, embracing visitors across all spending levels and leveraging technology to enhance their experience, the city’s top official said Saturday.
Chief Secretary Eric Chan highlighted the city’s robust tourism recovery, revealing that nearly 1.1 million tourists visited during the recent Golden Week holiday, a 22% increase from last year.
The surge included budget-conscious mainland travelers who sparked social media buzz with images of overnight stays in fast-food restaurants, a trend Chan viewed not as a setback but an opportunity.
“We don’t need to limit ourselves to only high-spending groups,” Chan stated in a radio interview. “Today’s budget traveler could be tomorrow’s premium tourist.”
The government plans to deploy cutting-edge technology to improve visitor experiences, including real-time updates on border checkpoint wait times. Additionally, Chan noted the Round-the-Island Trail, a 60-kilometer hiking route, is expected to be 90% complete within two to three years, potentially attracting more adventure-seeking tourists.
As part of its diversification strategy, Hong Kong is also exploring new business opportunities, including diplomatic delegations to the Middle East, in response to ongoing U.S. trade challenges.
The city’s inclusive approach signals a strategic pivot in tourism management, prioritizing long-term visitor engagement over immediate economic returns.
