Hong Kong launches first five-year plan for culture, sports and tourism
Hong Kong's culture, sports and tourism minister outlined a first five-year plan, including HK$200 million for arts reform, a new West Kowloon performing arts centre opening next year, and a record 54 medals at the Asian Games. Tourism reached 40.7 million visitors in the first nine months, up 12 pe
Hong Kong's Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism outlined the government's first five-year plan for the sector during a legislative council debate on 8 October 2026, detailing measures to boost the creative economy, sports development and tourism.
The minister confirmed a HK$200 million (US$25.7 million) injection into the Arts and Sport Development Fund, which will fund a long-awaited reform of the arts group subsidy system starting in the 2027-28 financial year. The second Hong Kong Performing Arts Expo opens on 9 October with more than 1,800 industry professionals from Hong Kong, mainland China and abroad. The West Kowloon Cultural District Authority will open a new performing arts centre with four venues next year.
In film, the government is reviewing the Film Development Fund to revitalise the industry, studying provision of studio space for local productions, and setting up a one-stop support unit for overseas film shoots in Hong Kong. The Tourism Board will launch a new "film plus tourism" promotion. A second phase of the Old Yau Ma Tei Police Station film exhibition is also planned.
Hong Kong athletes won a record 54 medals at the Asian Games — 11 gold, 19 silver and 24 bronze. The policy address announced reconstruction of the Victoria Park tennis centre, which the minister said would support sports industrialisation and major events. A new sports administration training programme will help develop management talent with elite sports experience.
Tourism figures showed 40.7 million arrivals in the first nine months of 2026, up 12 per cent year-on-year. The National Day Golden Week saw more than 1.41 million mainland visitors over seven days, exceeding forecasts. The government is confident of reaching its full-year target of 53.8 million visitors. The Tourism Board held its first International Mid-Autumn Lantern Festival, attracting about 730,000 visitors, and launched a Halloween month with cosplay street parties in tourist hotspots.
The minister said Hong Kong would deepen cooperation with mainland authorities and strengthen overseas promotion, particularly in Central Asian markets such as Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, to develop multi-destination itineraries. A Discover Hong Kong platform will be upgraded to integrate event ticket-stub discounts and facilitate collaboration between event organisers and retail, food and beverage, and tourism associations.