Two ways the city can usher in a bold new era for tourism
As a licenced tourist guide and tour escort deeply entrenched in the vibrant ecosystem of Hong Kong’s tourism industry, I have observed a significant shift in the behaviour of mainland tourists post-pandemic.
Traditionally, these visitors have been the cornerstone of our tourism revenue, but recent trends indicate a pivot towards shorter, more economical visits, with many opting for day returns rather than extended stays.
While the government’s initiatives and the “Development Blueprint for Hong Kong’s Tourism Industry 2.0” are commendable steps towards rejuvenating our tourism sector, there is an urgent need for strategies that specifically address the evolving preferences of our largest visitor demographic. To this end, two targeted solutions designed to entice mainland tourists to not only extend their stays but also enhance their spending within our city can be considered by the government.
Inspired by the success of the Australian Tourism Data Warehouse, I propose the creation of a more advanced personalised digital itinerary platform by the Hong Kong Tourism Board to revolutionise how visitors explore the city. This platform should allow visitors to customise their itineraries based on personal interests, time constraints and budgets, uncovering the “hidden gems” that lie beyond the usual tourist spots, embracing our unique ability to transition from skyscraper vistas to verdant trails within an hour – a rare attribute around the world.
With real-time feedback and AI-driven recommendations, the platform could offer a tailored exploration of our city’s rich culture and natural beauty, encouraging deeper engagement and longer stays.
Further, to directly address the trend of brief visits, developing attractive incentive packages for extended stays is crucial. By collaborating with hotels, airlines and local businesses, we can offer deals, such as hotel discounts, exclusive access to attractions and shopping vouchers, along with a loyalty programme that rewards longer stays, providing compelling reasons for tourists to prolong their visits. Such incentives will invariably enhance the overall visitor experience, showcasing the best of what Hong Kong has to offer.
These strategic solutions aim to address the current shift in visitor behaviour by offering unique, value-added experiences and tangible reasons for tourists from the mainland to extend their stays.
As a part of Hong Kong’s tourism sector, I believe these initiatives can foster a more sustainable tourism model that benefits both our city and its visitors. It is time for us to leverage innovation to welcome a new era of tourism in Hong Kong.
Yeung Man Fung, Mid-Levels