Visitor arrivals to Hong Kong in the first four months of this year increased by 10% year-on-year, with a more than 20% surge during the Labor Day "Golden Week." In response to the new situation of tourism, where travelers increasingly seek out attractions with "local flavor," the SAR government yesterday announced the development of nine new tourism hotspot projects.
These include opening parts of the historic Former Yau Ma Tei Police Station to the public, allowing visitors to experience famous scenes from police-and-gangster films and TV shows, and recreating exhibition sets from the movie Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In at the Yamen historical building in Kowloon Walled City Park.
Chief Executive John Lee stated that the first phase of tourism hotspots covers various categories such as eco-tourism, cultural tours, in-depth experiences, photo-worthy spots, and local food tours. By incorporating new elements like film and television culture, the initiative brings together government, industry, and community efforts, leveraging local creativity to jointly create new "must-visit" attractions that reinforce Hong Kong's appeal as a city where "every corner offers something for tourists." Deputy Chief Secretary for Administration Cheuk Wing-hing added that these hotspots cater to diverse traveler preferences and will generate greater economic benefits for Hong Kong.
Last year's Policy Address announced the establishment of the Working Group on Developing Tourist Hotspots to accelerate the identification and promotion of tourism hotspots. Cheuk Wing-hing, as the head of the group, explained yesterday (May 20) that the nine projects in the first phase share common traits: they embody Hong Kong's unique characteristics, offer novelty or fresh experiences, and are highly "Instagrammable."
Covering eco, cultural, and in-depth tours
The Former Yau Ma Tei Police Station, built in 1922, is a classic Edwardian Free Style building graded as a Grade II historical building. Having served as a filming location for numerous iconic police dramas and movies, it has become a popular, unconventional photo spot.
According to Deputy Secretary for Security Michael Cheuk Hau-yip, the ground floor will be converted into an exhibition hall showcasing such films, with input from movie and art professionals. Classic film clips will be screened, and historic police station facilities—such as the report room and detention cells—will be recreated for visitor exploration and photos. Augmented reality (AR) photography will also be introduced, allowing tourists to "wear" uniforms from different eras or branches of the police force. Besides, limited-edition souvenirs are under consideration.
Central and Kowloon City have been selected as communities for themed in-depth tours. The Twilight of the Warriors exhibition, previously held at the airport and Kai Tak, will move to Kowloon Walled City Park with expanded scale and more sets. Under Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs Clarence Leung Wang-ching noted that Kowloon City's tourism route will link local attractions, shops, and restaurants to boost neighborhood spending. Angelina Cheung, Commissioner for Tourism, said the Central-Mid-Levels Escalator will be beautified by the Hong Kong Tourism Board, with extensions into surrounding streets to attract diverse travelers.
For green tourism resources, Cheuk Wing-hing said the task force is capitalizing on the "Four Trails" hiking trend spurred by films, proposing a more accessible "Four Peaks" tourism—including Victoria Peak and Lantau Peak—featuring unique natural landscapes, shorter and easier routes, and convenient public transport to accommodate more visitors.
Cheung also mentioned efforts to promote industrial brand tourism. The task force has contacted iconic "Made in Hong Kong" brands like Lee Kum Kee and Kee Wah Bakery, whose history and corporate culture hold strong appeal. Plans include organized group tours by the Travel Industry Council of Hong Kong, allowing visitors to explore these sites and buy specialty souvenirs.
Where vibrancy goes, prosperity follows
Cheuk Wing-hing emphasized leveraging social media, such as inviting overseas influencers to experience and promote the hotspots. On costs, he disclosed that, excluding the Former Hung Hom Railway Freight Yard Pier, the remaining eight involve expenditures of around HK$20–30 million, partly covered by departmental budgets and partly requiring funding approvals.
He highlighted that the hotspots—spanning indoor and outdoor, sightseeing and exploration, nature and scenery—cater to varied tastes and can be easily combined into itineraries, enhancing visitor enjoyment while boosting Hong Kong's economy. Benefits will extend to tour operators (e.g., for industrial brand tours or disciplinary forces museums) and nearby businesses like shops, restaurants, and bars.
Secretary for Culture, Sports, and Tourism Rossana Law said the aim is to offer more options for all visitors, whether staying overnight or not. "Where vibrancy goes, prosperity naturally follows," she noted, dismissing rigid targets for visitor growth post-implementation.
(Source: Ta Kung Pao, Wen Wei Po; Journalists: Wang Yamao, Zhang Xian; English Editor: Darius)
Related News:
Tai O Dragon Boat Festival: Centuries-old ritual revives HK's 'Venice'
Deepline | Transform like Darling Harbour! URA studies building world-class bay in To Kwa Wan
Comment