$1.23B FOR BOOSTING TOURISM

Given that cultural and creative industries are among the most dynamic sectors in Hong Kong, Paul Chan highlighted in his Budget speech this year that the Government is dedicated to advancing several vital projects.

“A cumulative total of over 780 projects, some of which with potential for industrialisation, have been approved under the CreateSmart Initiative, involving a total funding of about $3.4 billion and benefitting more than 30,000 SMEs (small and medium-sized enterprises).

“To foster the vibrant development of the local creative industry chain, OASES (Office for Attracting Strategic Enterprises) will strategically attract to Hong Kong more cultural and creative enterprises that integrate I&T (innovation and technology) into their work.”

With regard to large-scale art events, Mr Chan pointed to the success of the inaugural Hong Kong Performing Arts Expo, which concluded in October last year. It featured over 1,600 arts leaders and practitioners from more than 60 countries and regions.

“We will organise the second edition of the Expo next year, transforming the event into a flagship of our arts and cultural industries."

He also explained how the Government will further facilitate the creation and production of cultural intellectual property (IP).

“The Government will support cultural IP creators and producers to propel more than 30 cultural IP projects cumulatively in the coming five years. We are fostering more cross-sectoral collaboration within the cultural and creative sectors so as to enhance the communication power and sales value of cultural IP products.”

Emphasising the fact that tourism boosts local economic development and creates employment opportunities, Mr Chan pointed out that the Government will step up its efforts to uncover more attractions with local characteristics.

“To pursue the concept of ‘tourism is everywhere’ and implement the Development Blueprint for Hong Kong’s Tourism Industry 2.0, I will allocate $1,235 million to the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) in the coming year.

“The HKTB will collaborate with more international brands to tell the good stories of Hong Kong’s tourism. For example, the HKTB signed a three-year global strategic partnership agreement with Art Basel to establish immersive experience zones of Hong Kong culture in all four annual Art Basel shows around the world, strengthening Hong Kong’s connection with the global art scene.”

Mr Chan revealed that he earmarked resources to strengthen support to the cruise industry, encouraging cruise lines to increase their number of ship calls to Hong Kong, make overnight calls and use Hong Kong as the homeport.

“We will provide cruise lines with more concessions to attract cruise ships to berth at the Kai Tak Cruise Terminal during the low season.”

The Government remains steadfast in promoting and publicising Hong Kong as a mega events capital globally in an effort to attract more tourists to the city and enhance their tourism experience.

Hong Kong can do just that, the Financial Secretary said, via the Kai Tak Sports Park, which is the largest‑ever sports infrastructure in Hong Kong with its 50,000-seat stadium.

Additionally, he emphasised that the Government has been supporting the staging of major international sports events in Hong Kong through “M” Mark System. 

“We will adopt a more strategic approach in continuously attracting sports events which can bring significant economic benefits to Hong Kong, and are in discussion with LIV Golf which has been held in Hong Kong for two consecutive years to explore long-term partnership.”

Mr Chan made it a point in his Budget speech to underscore the importance of developing visitor sources from the Middle East and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

“In collaboration with the HKTB, the Government will make extra efforts to develop markets in the Middle East and ASEAN to attract more high‑end visitors.

“The Government is encouraging various sectors of the community to enhance tourism‑support facilities, such as providing worship facilities in hotels and stepping up staff training to strengthen the industry’s understanding of the visitors’ different cultural backgrounds.”

Leveraging harbourfront resources is equally crucial, Mr Chan asserted, adding that the Government is making every effort to enhance the harbourfront on both sides of the Victoria Harbour.

“The recently opened western section of the East Coast Boardwalk in North Point has been popular among the public. The eastern section of the Boardwalk, the Hung Hom Urban Park (Phase 2) and the open space at Eastern Street North in Sai Ying Pun will also be completed this year. 

“We will set up refreshment stalls at harbourfront locations in Central, Wan Chai, North Point and Tsim Sha Tsui this year to enrich visitor experience.”

Furthermore, he gave an update on a key tourism-boosting study.

“The Government has invited the Mass Transit Railway Corporation to conduct a study to develop the waterfront and former pier sites to the south of Hung Hom Station into a new harbourfront landmark. 

“It will include iconic commercial and residential developments, retail, dining and entertainment facilities, as well as yacht club for promoting yacht tourism. We will put forward land use proposals in the middle of this year.”

---

PREVIOUSNEXT