Speech by FS at 2025 World Tourism Cities Federation Hong Kong Fragrant Hills Tourism Summit Welcome Dinner
Following is the speech by the Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, at 2025 World Tourism Cities Federation Hong Kong Fragrant Hills Tourism Summit Welcome Dinner tonight (April 15):
尊敬的司馬紅副市長 (Vice Mayor of Beijing Municipality and the Executive Vice-Chair of the World Tourism Cities Federation Council, Ms Sima Hong), distinguished guests and friends from the global tourism community,
Good evening. It is a great pleasure to welcome you all to Hong Kong. Allow me to first thank the World Tourism Cities Federation for choosing Hong Kong as the host city of this year's Fragrant Hills Tourism Summit. We are deeply honoured, and very much look forward to more insightful discussions and fresh ideas that will emerge from the second day of the summit tomorrow.
The global tourism industry has demonstrated a remarkable rebound following the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2024, international tourist arrivals reached 1.4 billion, an 11 per cent increase year-on-year, bringing global tourist numbers back to the pre-pandemic levels.
Hong Kong: seeing is believing
Here in Hong Kong, tourism remains a key pillar of our economy, and we are experiencing a strong rebound as well. In 2024, we welcomed around 45 million visitors, a 31 per cent increase over the same period of 2023. In the first quarter of this year, visitor arrivals exceeded 12 million, representing a 9 per cent growth year-on-year. Notably, international visitor numbers rose by 18 per cent.
Beyond its economic contribution, we see tourism as a powerful means to tell the true story of Hong Kong. Over the past few years, we underwent multiple challenges, social violence, global pandemic and geopolitical tensions which have given rise to negative narratives and misconceptions about the city. It is now more important than ever for people to come to see Hong Kong for themselves. To experience firsthand our city's openness, vitality and enduring international character. As the saying goes: seeing is believing.
To that end, we have curated an exciting calendar of mega events. Just last month, our "Super March" brought together a dynamic mix of international financial forums as well as world-class sport and cultural events like the Hong Kong Rugby Sevens, LIV golf and Art Basel.
And last week, Coldplay concluded their spectacular performances at our brand new Kai Tak Stadium, a world-class venue for hosting large-scale events of all kinds.
Thoughts on tourism development
In fact, we often strategically programme mega events back-to-back, creating a stream of excitement for visitors. At the same time, we integrate these happenings with other tourism highlights, from pop concerts and theme parks to fine dining and deep exploration of the city. Our goal is to enrich visitors' journey and experience in Hong Kong, so that they like to stay longer, discover more and return more often.
We are also committed to long-term partnerships. Many of our signature events are becoming permanent fixtures in Hong Kong's calendar. They have enriched our brand and reinforced the city's unique cultural fusion and global appeal.
Ladies and gentlemen, apart from programming, allow me to share two more points about our tourism development which we believe may contribute to the broader dialogue.
First, we believe that "tourism is everywhere". Today's travellers are increasingly diverse in their interests, expectations and ways of exploration. To maintain our appeal to visitors, we must think creatively, play to our strengths well and broaden the spectrum of our offerings. From the iconic Victoria Harbour to scenic hiking trails; from heritage and contemporary architecture to charming outlying islands, Hong Kong is a cultural crossroads, a culinary capital and a vibrant metropolis. There is tremendous potential to create more fascinating experience for visitors by integrating tourism and business travel with arts and culture, sports and community life.
This process is a cross-sector, collective effort that involves the tourism and hospitality industries, the retail and cultural sector, the Government, and indeed the whole community.
In today's digital age, social media, KOLs, bloggers and everyday travellers play an influential role in uncovering hidden gems and shaping tourism trends. They are valuable partners to engage in telling Hong Kong's story to the world.
Second, regional collaboration is crucial for attracting more tourists from afar. For Hong Kong, enhanced connectivity, such as the high-speed rail, has opened up new avenues for synergistic collaboration with neighbouring cities in the region. This includes not only cities within the Greater Bay Area but also those in provinces like Hunan and Fujian that once seemed to be more distant. Meanwhile, we are also actively exploring new partnerships in emerging segments like cruise tourism, which holds exciting potential for the region together.
Concluding remarks
Ladies and gentlemen, around the world, there is growing recognition of tourism's immense power to revitalise cities, drive local economies and foster cross-border business connections. I thank you for the valuable insights and perspectives, and look forward to more: to elevate tourism as a force for good, and for the many pleasures of life.
I wish you all a wonderful evening, and an enjoyable stay here in Hong Kong, Asia's World City. Thank you very much.
Speech by FS at 2025 World Tourism Cities Federation Hong Kong Fragrant Hills Tourism Summit Welcome Dinner Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
