The initiative is part of a package put forward by the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau in the latest policy address, along with new offers including tailor-made luxury tours for high-spending visitors arriving on private jets and yachts.
The opening up of museums managed by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department in the evening or on non-operating days is a positive step to unleash the potential of our cultural facilities. This will not just help raise revenue for government museums, but also offer more venues for suitable commercial and private events.
The Hong Kong Palace Museum at the West Kowloon Cultural District took centre stage at the Global Financial Leaders’ Investment Summit in 2023, offering a cocktail reception, a Chinese-style banquet and cultural performances for hundreds of top bankers and executives as part of the drive to promote Hong Kong after the Covid-19 pandemic. Officials believe the Hong Kong Museum of Art, which commands a good view over Victoria Harbour, makes a good choice for fundraising galas and fashion shows.
The moves to promote high-end tourism and make better use of public beaches and holiday camps can also enhance the experience for visitors and locals alike. The former involves working with the industry to offer sophisticated itinerary planning and concierge services for top spenders, including premium experiences at racecourses, Michelin restaurants, theme parks and shopping centres. The latter goal seeks to invite private operators to provide value-added services at beaches and holiday camps, such as paddleboarding and snorkelling rentals.
The initiatives may seem piecemeal, if not long overdue. But they underline the government’s commitment to innovating and diversifying in the increasingly competitive world of tourism.
