Hong Kong promotes district tourism to ease core area congestion
Hong Kong authorities say tourism initiatives are spreading visitors across all 18 districts, citing data from flagship events. Officials are cautious about reopening pedestrian zones due to past noise and hygiene complaints. New film-themed walking routes and a food guide aim to boost local busines
The Hong Kong government has provided a detailed response to a legislative question on efforts to promote community-based tourism, as outlined in the city's first five-year plan. The Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau and the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) are working with the industry to develop distinctive travel products and experiences, leveraging major events and festivals to draw visitors to various districts and reduce pressure on popular areas.
In response to a query from lawmaker Mr. Shiu Ka-chun, the government, after consulting several bureaux and departments, reported that recent tourism projects and events have successfully attracted both tourists and locals to different parts of the city. The HKTB has promoted itineraries such as the Yaumatei Police Station Light Tour and the Kowloon Walled City Light Tour, alongside the 'Hong Kong, Great Neighbourhoods' project covering Central, Sham Shui Po and West Kowloon. Traditional festivals like the Cheung Chau Bun Festival and the Tai O Dragon Boat Festival are also highlighted.
Data from the HKTB's flagship Hong Kong Wine and Gourmet Festival, held last week at the Central Harbourfront, showed over 171,000 attendees, a year-on-year increase of more than 5 per cent, with business turnover up around 8 per cent. Nearby bars and restaurants benefited. Restaurants reported that the Tai Hang Fire Dragon Dance and the Mid-Autumn Lantern Festival boosted their sales by over 20 per cent. The Kai Tak Sports Park has hosted 190 major events since its opening, drawing over 2.8 million spectators to its main venue. Special bus routes and ticket-discount schemes with over 40 merchants in Kowloon City helped spread the economic impact; during the Hong Kong Football Gala 2026, the Kai Tak retail precinct saw nearly 120,000 visitors in a single day, with a sporting goods store reporting a fivefold sales increase and F&B outlets more than 50 per cent growth.
On the proposal to reinstate pedestrian-only zones, such as the former one on Sai Yeung Choi Street South, the government expressed caution. Past street performances in such areas generated numerous complaints about noise, hygiene and public order. Authorities said they must balance the benefits of cultural activities against the impact on residents and businesses, and therefore take a very prudent approach to reopening such zones.
To further promote district-specific attractions, the HKTB launched the 'Hong Kong Taste' gourmet guide in January, featuring restaurant recommendations from local chefs across all 18 districts. Last month, it introduced the 'Hong Kong, A Stage for Films' campaign, highlighting 50 representative films and 100 local filming locations, including eateries and shops. For example, visitors to Yaumatei can join the police station light tour, then walk to the fruit wholesale market and Temple Street night market for local snacks.