Hong Kong Travel Agencies See Boost from National Games as Mainland visitors Flock to City
HONG KONG – Hong Kong travel agencies are rapidly developing package tours aimed at mainland Chinese visitors eager to experience the National Games, currently underway in a unique tripartite arrangement with Guangdong and Macau. Golf and rugby sevens are proving to be particularly popular draws, as the city anticipates an influx of approximately 100,000 visitors for the event.
This marks the first time Hong kong has co-hosted the National Games, sharing responsibilities with neighboring Guangdong province and Macau. Local authorities are optimistic about the economic impact, with travel agencies reporting a surge in interest from a demographic described as “more mature” with significant spending power.
Timothy chui Ting-pong,executive director of the Hong Kong tourism Association,noted that tour groups organized by his company are generally smaller in scale,catering to this higher-end market. “Some agencies, including our own, are launching packages that combine attendance at sporting events with broader city experiences,” Chui said.
A range of sporting events are being held in Hong Kong, including fencing, track cycling, rugby sevens, golf, triathlon, beach volleyball, men’s handball, and the under-22 men’s basketball tournament. The National Games represent a significant opportunity for Hong Kong’s tourism sector as it continues to recover and diversify its visitor base.