Published on
November 9, 2025
Hong Kong travel agencies are getting ready for a major increase in tourism as the city gets set to organise the 2025 National Games together with Guangdong and Macau. The agencies are presenting personalised tour packages for mainland Chinese tourists, to take advantage of the visitor surge during the event, with around 100,000 people expected to come. The Olympics will have a total of eight sports, among which are rugby sevens, golf, beach volleyball, and basketball. These sports events have already started to attract attention, especially from sports lovers.
The National Games will be held across multiple locations in China, with Hong Kong welcoming international visitors and mainland Chinese tourists for the first time. As travel restrictions ease and visitors are eager to attend global sporting events, agencies see this as a golden opportunity to provide high-quality travel experiences and attract a more premium demographic of tourists.
Tailored Travel Packages for Sports Enthusiasts
Hong Kong’s tourism sector, especially tour agencies, has aligned its offerings with the specific interests of sports tourists. Agencies have focused on rugby and golf, two sports that have gained strong popularity among mainland visitors. According to Timothy Chui Ting-pong, executive director of the Hong Kong Tourism Association, many of the tours are tailored to meet the expectations of a “more mature” audience with significant spending power. The tours typically feature four-star to five-star hotel accommodations, and the majority include chartered transport for convenience.
These bespoke tours aim to enhance the visitor experience, not only by providing access to the sporting events but also by incorporating other leisure activities in the city. For example, the golf tourism market is particularly strong, with Hong Kong’s world-class golf courses attracting visitors eager to experience these premier facilities.
A Boost for Hong Kong’s Hospitality Sector
The National Games provide a much-needed boost to Hong Kong’s hospitality sector, as hotel bookings see a spike. Agencies have reported that most packages include stays in luxury accommodations located on both sides of Victoria Harbour, giving tourists a chance to experience Hong Kong’s renowned city views. The combination of sporting events and high-end lodging makes these tours attractive to those seeking both sporting excitement and leisure comfort.
Local businesses in the food and beverage sector also stand to benefit as mainland Chinese visitors are expected to indulge in local cuisine, contributing to the economy. The integration of National Games souvenirs, sold during the event, is predicted to drive further spending in retail and related industries. According to Fanny Yeung Shuk-fun, executive director of the Travel Industry Council, the added sporting atmosphere will create a vibrant environment that will draw more tourists to Hong Kong.
Independent Travel Outpaces Package Tours
Despite the launch of these tailored travel packages, insiders predict that independent travel will dominate during the National Games. Unlike traditional group tours, where tickets are often pre-booked, the National Games organisers require spectators to register with their own names when purchasing tickets. This shift in ticketing dynamics makes it challenging for travel agencies to organise large group tours unless they have secured clients in advance.
Frankie Lam Tat-man, managing director of Kamwai Holiday, noted that most visitors will likely purchase their own tickets and make their own travel arrangements, using online platforms for booking. However, Lam still sees a positive economic impact from the event, particularly in sectors like food and beverage, hospitality, and retail, as the games attract visitors eager to experience the local culture alongside the sporting events.
Predictions and Challenges for Hong Kong’s Tourism
While the National Games will undoubtedly bring an influx of tourists to Hong Kong, economists like Simon Lee Siu-po suggest that the long-term economic impact may be somewhat limited. The tripartite hosting arrangement, with Guangdong and Macau, shares both the cost and benefits, which could reduce the direct economic gain for Hong Kong.
Additionally, some mainland visitors may opt not to stay overnight in Hong Kong due to high accommodation costs, limiting the potential economic benefits. However, despite these challenges, Lee acknowledged that the event still represents an opportunity for Hong Kong to expand its tourism profile and attract more visitors for future events.
Hong Kong Rides the Wave of Sports Tourism
The 2025 National Games represent a significant moment for Hong Kong’s tourism sector, particularly as the city capitalises on mainland Chinese visitors and sports tourism. With tailored packages designed for both high-end and independent tourists, the event has the potential to boost Hong Kong’s economy, especially in sectors like hospitality, retail, and food. While challenges remain regarding the event’s long-term economic impact, the National Games highlight Hong Kong’s position as an attractive destination for sports enthusiasts and international tourists.
