HK tourism chief vows to lure high-end tourists through cultural integration

Hong Kong’s new tourism chief has vowed to attract high-end travellers by promoting performing arts, exhibitions, and museums, which are especially appealing to this type of visitor.

During a LegCo panel on home affairs, culture and sports yesterday (9 December), Rosanna Law, secretary for culture, sports and tourism, explained the government's recently released "Blueprint for arts and culture and creative industries development” (文藝創意產業發展藍圖) to lawmakers. 

When asked about the estimated proportion of the creative industries in Hong Kong's gross domestic product (GDP) over the next 10 years, Law said the growth of the creative industry's value is expected to exceed the overall growth of Hong Kong's GDP, projecting an annual increase of around 4.2%. It is essential to industrialise the arts and demonstrate their capacity to generate economic value for sustainable development, she added.

Cultural organisations from both local and international spheres coming to Hong Kong can engage with the local arts industry and attract high-end tourists, according to Law. While performing arts, exhibitions, and museums are appealing to this type of travellers, the authorities will focus on further developing these areas.

In terms of how to increase public interest in attending arts performances and the strategy for converting industrial buildings into theatres, Law said converting these spaces into small theatres or black box theatres presents challenges related to land use and building regulations. Meanwhile, her previous experience with the Housing Department could help address these issues.

“For example, commercial spaces or some readily available venues can be adapted with slight modifications for performances, and I believe they should be utilised. I have visited some schools where their so-called halls. If these spaces are not frequently used, perhaps they could be made available, as there is a significant opportunity for this,” said Law. 

Lawmaker Johnny Ng raised concerns about the potential for tax incentives to be introduced to encourage the business sector to support cultural and artistic development. Law responded that while many other cities provide such incentives, Hong Kong's tax rates are already quite low. Additionally, given the government's current financial situation, there is a need to assess the feasibility of providing attractive tax incentives.

While another lawmaker, Michael Luk, proposed zoning changes in certain busy areas of the city to allow performances by licensed buskers, which could also boost tourism, Law said nearby residents might raise concerns about noise.

Don’t miss: HK replaces Kevin Yeung as tourism chief

Law was recently named as Hong Kong's new tourism chief, replacing Kevin Yeung. The decision was made in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Basic Law, following chief executive John Lee's nomination and recommendation by the central people's government, according to the official government statement.

Yeung faced a number of criticisms during his tenure. In October, Lee called out Yeung in the Policy Address, stating that he and the bureau "must meet public expectations by achieving the intended results," particularly after the blueprint for arts and culture and creative industries development was not released on schedule.

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