HK's Temple Street night market plans delayed until December, says HK's tourism chief

Hong Kong's plan to launch the Temple Street night market could be delayed until early to mid-December as the government is still in talks with local stalls and merchants. 

This comes as the government unveiled a series of the "Night Vibes Hong Kong" activities last month to promote the city's nightlife and boost the local economy. As part of the initiative, the HKTB would discuss with different stakeholders to explore ways to enhance the atmosphere of the Temple Street night market.

Speaking at a LegCo panel on economic development yesterday, Kevin Yeung, secretary for culture, sports and tourism, said the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) is still discussing with local stalls and shops on launching a night market along Temple Street.

“Since the initiative involves many details, it may not be implemented until early to mid-December,” Yeung said. 

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On the other hand, Hong Kong will now turn its focus to "in-depth" tourism. Yeung said on RTHK’s radio programme 千禧年代 yesterday that in the past, mainland tourists mainly visited Hong Kong for shopping or sightseeing, however, many of them are now preferring immersive experiences and visiting local neighborhoods to experience the local lifestyle. 

“In response to the change in travellers' preferences and habits and many of them prefer "in-depth tourism" in the city, the government will discuss whether to roll out new measures," Yeung said.

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His comments came after the chief executive John Lee announced in his policy address that the government would transform the Cultural and Heritage Sites Local Tour Incentive Scheme (文化古蹟本地遊鼓勵計劃) into the Characteristic Local Tourism Incentive Scheme (本地特色旅遊鼓勵計劃), providing more in-depth itinerary design and training, with a view to encouraging the trade to develop more thematic tours such as green ecology tours, traditional culture tours and pop culture tours to showcase the diversified cultural landscape of Hong Kong. 

Furthermore, the government is looking to establish the Sha Tau Kok Cultural tourism zone. Starting early next year, it will gradually open up the Sha Tau Kok Frontier Closed Area (excluding Chung Ying Street).

In the initial stage, visitors can apply online for Closed Area Permits to enter Sha Tau Kok for sightseeing. This aims to promote the cultural and eco-tourism of Sha Tau Kok and nearby outlying islands.

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