Luo Shupei: The global economy is facing a gloomy outlook this year, but Hong Kong's tourism market should at least achieve the past performance.

The Hong Kong Legislative Council held the Economic Development Committee today (10th) to discuss the Hong Kong Tourism Board's work plan for the 2026-2027 fiscal year. Hong Kong Tourism Board Director Luo Shupei stated that Hong Kong recorded 14.31 million visitors in the first three months of this year, a 17% increase compared to last year, which she described as inspiring. When asked why some of the new year's tourism indicators, such as length of stay and spending amount, remained the same as last year, she mentioned that the goal is to attract more overnight tourists to Hong Kong. However, she admitted that the current global economic situation is uncertain, but she remains optimistic and said that they will maintain at least the same level of performance as in the past. The Hong Kong government predicts that the average length of stay for overnight tourists this year will remain at 3.1 nights, the same as last year. The average spending per overnight visitor was HK$5,503 last year and is expected to increase by 0.5% to HK$5,530 this year. In order to showcase Hong Kong's unique tourism experience and enhance its attractiveness, the Hong Kong Tourism Board will launch new promotional activities. The Executive Director of the Hong Kong Tourism Board, Anthony Lau, announced the official launch of a new themed promotional campaign this year called "Only In Hong Kong," in conjunction with the theme "Asia's World City" for domestic and international promotion. The concept is inspired by Hong Kong's neon lights, which will feature 16 colors and real photographs of Hong Kong for high-impact design in various media. He explained that Hong Kong has countless selling points, such as geological parks and culinary tours, which can be found in Hong Kong and can attract tourists to keep coming back. He emphasized the importance of allowing tourists to not only experience Hong Kong, but to savor and appreciate it gradually. Another LegCo member inquired about how to attract high-end tourists to Hong Kong and what other attractions could draw them in besides promotions. Luo Shupei mentioned that the government has reached a 5-year cooperation agreement with Art Basel, ensuring that a group of high-end tourists will come to Hong Kong in March each year. These tourists will not only visit Hong Kong for a day, but can also enjoy packaged experiences that include Hong Kong's world-class airport, restaurants, and horse racing. Future collaborations with companies like Liv Golf are also being considered. LegCo member Lo Ka-keung asked about developing event tourism, such as using concert or event tickets for promotional activities. Luo Shupei mentioned that businesses can consider how to stimulate consumption through ticket sales, citing a concert at the Kai Tak Stadium that attracted over 40,000 attendees. LegCo member Shaw Kai-fai from the wholesale and retail sector raised the issue of competition with destinations such as Japan and South Korea. Anthony Lau pointed out that over the past two years, Japan and South Korea have attracted many tourists due to their low exchange rates. He believes that if exchange rates rise, Southeast Asian tourists may choose to visit other destinations. Overall, the meeting discussed various strategies and initiatives to promote tourism in Hong Kong and attract a diverse range of visitors, both locally and internationally.