Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee on Sept. 16 unveiled the city's first five-year plan and the 2026 Policy Address. From Sept. 17 to 21, several senior officials of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government are holding press conferences to elaborate on measures in their respective policy areas under the five-year plan and the Policy Address.
The latest Policy Address said the government will explore redeveloping the Victoria Park tennis court and its ancillary facilities into a landmark, all-weather multi-purpose venue to further promote the development of "sports+mega events". Construction of the redevelopment is expected to begin within four to five years, while the venue could also potentially host concerts. The plan has received broad support from the industry, which has called for appropriate transitional arrangements during the redevelopment period.
Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism Rosanna Law said at a press conference on Saturday (Sept. 19) that the government was considering the redevelopment of the Victoria Park tennis centre not only because of the venue's long history and its ability to attract spectators, but also based on the successful experience of Kai Tak Sports Park.
"In a relatively mature urban area with convenient transport, the demand for sports facilities and the synergy are very good. Major sporting events can also boost the local economy. With this in mind, we believe Victoria Park is a very suitable location," Law said.
"At the very least, we need to host ATP 500 events, which are tournaments carrying 500 ranking points. But I have higher expectations. If resources and the size of the venue allow, we could even meet the requirements for ATP 1000 events," she said.
On reforms to the funding system for arts groups, Law said the government would inject HK$200 million into the Arts and Sports Development Fund.
Starting from the 2027-28 financial year, the government will also gradually reform the funding system for arts groups.
The government will introduce a funding and entry-and-exit mechanism linked to performance and artistic standards, encouraging major arts groups to continue innovating while giving medium-sized arts groups with consistently strong performance the opportunity to become major arts groups.
On raising the professional standards of tourism workers, Law said the Travel Industry Authority had launched a specialist licence scheme this year for geopark tour guides and reception services.
As a next step, the authority will introduce a specialist licence for tour guides specializing in in-depth historical and cultural tours by the end of 2027, further increasing the supply of professional tour guides and attracting more people to join the tourism industry.
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