In the first half of this year, Hong Kong recorded approximately 24 million visitor arrivals, representing a 12 percent year-on-year increase. This growth can be attributed to recent improvements in cultural and tourism infrastructure, as well as adjustments in policy.

Hong Kong’s tourism industry was hit hard by the social unrest in 2019-20 and the three-year-long COVID-19 pandemic, retreating to a level unseen for years. The sector’s recovery, boosted by a slew of policies implemented by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government in recent years, remains less than satisfactory. After the public consultation for the 2025 Policy Address kicked off recently, Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu solicited suggestions on how to further develop the tourism sector.

I believe one feasible approach is to make full use of Hong Kong’s favorable conditions, such as its excellent cultural and sports facilities, as well as the advantages provided by the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.

The first match of the Hong Kong Football Festival 2025, featuring AC Milan and Liverpool, was held at the main stadium of the Kai Tak Sports Park on July 26. The event drew a record-breaking crowd of 49,704. A media outlet randomly interviewed 16 attendees and found that 13 of them were from the Chinese mainland and three from overseas. This attests to the strong appeal of top-tier sporting events to nonlocal audiences.

In the past, the lack of suitable venues prevented Hong Kong from hosting major sports events, concerts and the like. Since the Kai Tak Sports Park opened on March 1, the situation has changed fundamentally. With a significant upgrade in cultural and sports infrastructure, Hong Kong now has a broader stage for integrated cultural and tourism development.

Alongside these infrastructure upgrades, Hong Kong’s tourism industry has also seen improvements in software, or operational aspects.

First, streamlining government functions has created favorable conditions. Previously, cultural and sports affairs fell under the Home and Youth Affairs Bureau, while tourism was managed by the Commerce and Economic Development Bureau. Now, all three are under the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau, which facilitates the coordinated development of these sectors.

Second, visa-free travel policies are bringing new opportunities. Currently, nearly 50 countries and regions enjoy visa-free entry to the Chinese mainland. Ordinary passport holders from over 100 countries and regions can visit Hong Kong for short-term stays without a visa. Meanwhile, foreign nationals enjoy a 144-hour visa-free policy when traveling in groups via Hong Kong or Macao to nine cities in the Greater Bay Area and Shantou city. These visa-free arrangements make cross-border travel easier, creating huge market potential for cities in the Greater Bay Area, which should work together to promote multi-destination tours to enhance the region’s attractiveness to overseas tourists.

As an international metropolis where East meets West, Hong Kong’s tourism industry holds enormous potential. By both enhancing strengths and making up for weaknesses, this potential can be fully unlocked

Among the 24 million visitors to Hong Kong in the first half of this year, around 17.8 million were from the mainland, a 10 percent increase year-on-year, while non-mainland visitors reached 5.84 million, up 17 percent.

Both segments have grown substantially, which should prompt Hong Kong, when formulating its tourism strategy, to think about — from the perspectives of both visitor groups — what the city has to offer.

Shopping has lost its appeal for mainland visitors, so new attractions must be created. Two themes hold strong potential and should be proactively promoted.

First, attending concerts in Hong Kong. Since the opening of the Kai Tak Sports Park, 15 largescale concerts have been held, with over 50 percent of attendees coming from the mainland or overseas, demonstrating the great appeal of largescale concerts. The Greater Bay Area, with a population of 80 million and strong consumption power, will see a surge in demand for cultural experiences. As the “one-hour living circle” in the region takes shape, it becomes easier for residents of neighboring cities to come to Hong Kong for concerts. Positioned centrally in Asia, Hong Kong’s high-end concerts also appeal to audiences from other major Asian cities. Therefore, positioning Hong Kong as a top destination for concerts is a card worth playing.

Second, exploring the cinematic legacy of Hong Kong. Recently, the Kowloon Walled City: A Cinematic Journey movie set exhibition attracted a large number of visitors, many of whom were devoted fans of the film Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In. A significant portion of them came from the mainland. For two to three decades, Hong Kong cinema enjoyed immense popularity on the mainland. Audiences there are familiar with place names that appear repeatedly in classic films. Visiting these iconic locations is a way to relive collective memories and holds strong appeal for mainland visitors.

As for international visitors, what aspects of Hong Kong can attract them? Three themes are worth highlighting.

First, attending the Hong Kong Sevens. This year’s tournament was held from March 28 to 30 at the Kai Tak Sports Park and drew over 110,000 spectators from local, Chinese mainland and overseas markets. As the tournament features top rugby teams from around the world, it should be developed into a signature “Hong Kong brand”.

Second, experiencing Hong Kong’s horseracing culture. Hong Kong is globally renowned for its horseracing industry. From facilities and horse quality to the diversity of races, Hong Kong stands among the world’s best. The city should capitalize on this advantage and become a premier global hub for horseracing tourism.

Third, visiting Ocean Park’s pandas. Hong Kong is currently home to six pandas, making it the place with the most pandas outside the mainland. The city should promote “watching pandas in Hong Kong” as a unique tourist attraction.

By vigorously promoting these major events to attract tourists, Hong Kong’s strengths could be put to their best use. However, over the long term, to advance integrated cultural and tourism development, Hong Kong must not only enhance its strengths but also make up for its weaknesses.

In terms of enhancing other strengths, two areas should be prioritized:

First, focus on the city’s unique blend of Chinese and Western cultures to find new points of attraction. Mainland tourists can experience an international atmosphere in Hong Kong, while foreign tourists can explore the charm of Chinese culture. Hong Kong should identify attractions under the theme of cultural fusion.

Second, leverage the city’s coexistence of urban prosperity and natural environment. While scenic mountains and coastlines are common worldwide, few places offer the ability to switch from bustling urban life to tranquil nature within a short drive. This unique advantage should be fully utilized.

As for making up for the sector’s weaknesses, the key lies in digital empowerment. Compared to the mainland, Hong Kong still lags behind in areas such as online reservations, digital payment and promotional offers in sectors like tourism, retail, transportation, hospitality and dining. Greater efforts should be made to accelerate digital transformation and enhance the visitor experience.

As an international metropolis where East meets West, Hong Kong’s tourism industry holds enormous potential. By both enhancing strengths and making up for weaknesses, this potential can be fully unlocked.

The author is vice-chairman of the Committee on Liaison with Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan and Overseas Chinese of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, and chairman of the Hong Kong New Era Development Thinktank.

The views do not necessarily reflect those of China Daily.