Lawmakers urges HK to promote yacht tourism in GBA

Hong Kong lawmakers have urged the government to promote yacht tourism in the Greater Bay Area and improve infrastructure to boost island-hopping tourism products.

This comes as the Legislative Council passed a non-binding motion yesterday (20 March) on making good use of Hong Kong's island and coastline resources to promote the development of marine tourism. 

Lawmaker Kenneth Lau, who proposed the motion, suggested focusing on yacht tourism, island resorts, and marine eco-tours as key strategies. He cited data from the International Council of Marine Industry Associations (國際遊艇設施委員會) indicating that the global yacht trade is worth US$40 billion, with annual revenue surpassing US$50 billion, showing its popularity among affluent travellers.

Lau highlighted the potential of Hong Kong's 1,180-kilometer coastline, 263 islands, and a natural deep-water port. He added that China is an emerging market for yacht tourism, with over 40 coastal cities already providing yacht-related services.

To effectively utilise the abundant marine resources and natural landscapes is crucial for promoting the transformation and upgrading of Hong Kong's tourism industry, Lau said the most suitable approach is to promote the development of yachting, islands, marine ecology, and resort experiences. He urged the government to align with the national development plan by actively promoting yacht tourism in the GBA, including maintaining close communication with the local yachting industry.

Another lawmaker Aron Kwok suggested the government enhance the development of maritime tourism by improving the infrastructure on well-known islands such as Dong Ping Chau and Po Toi island. This includes the installation of water and power supply systems using new energy sources and telecommunications network stations.

Kwok added that the government should enhance the fusion of Hong Kong's fishing sector with its culinary heritage. It is crucial to plan multifaceted fishermen's piers in well-known harbors such as Tsing Shan Monastery, Aberdeen, and Lei Yue Mun. These piers would connect typhoon shelter seafood restaurants, seafood markets, yacht berths, and other diverse establishments to foster mutual development.

Don't miss: Study: GBA visitors turn to earned media for travel planning in HK

In response, secretary for culture, sports and tourism Rosanna Law said in a written reply that the government strongly supports enhancing cooperation with other cities in the GBA on the principle of mutual benefit. "We encourage the industry to develop maritime tourism products with multiple stops, allowing both Hong Kong and the GBA to benefit simultaneously. 

She added that the Hong Kong Marine Department has been actively providing support and services to facilitate yacht travel in the GBA. Mainland yachts have been able to smoothly visit Hong Kong under the current arrangements.

Meanwhile, David Lam, under secretary for development said that the government will conduct market surveys to early engage market feedback and developers' views on operating yacht berths, including aspects such as scale, quantity, types and necessary facilities.

Join us this coming 17 June for #Content360 Hong Kong, an insightful one-day event centered around responsible AI, creativity VS influencers, Xiaohongshu and more. Let's dive into the art of curating content with creativity, critical thinking and confidence!

Related articles:

HKJC and CTS ink deal to promote horse racing tourism in HK
HK banks on global KOLs and OOH to boost tourism and drive buzz
HKTB invites South Korean stars and visitors to promote trail running tourism