A SPORTING opportunity for conference and incentive groups – at least in spectator terms – is unfolding across the Greater Bay Area as Guangdong province and the special regional cities of Hong Kong and Macao host the China National Games.
The Games, taking place from November 9 to 21, are being jointly hosted by three regions of China for the first time. Visiting groups not only get a chance to watch the sporting action, but also experience new projects such as Hong Kong’s Kai Tak Sports Park, the velodrome and the infrastructure that links Greater Bay cities such as the seabridge and tunnel bridges to Macao and Zhuhai, and the cross-boundary High-Speed Train network into the Chinese mainland.
In a report published by Expedia Group, sport tourism is recognised globally as a growing segment of the travel industry with a projected value of USD1 trillion by 2032. More travellers are tying in their trips with big events such as the Singapore Grand Prix and the Hong Kong Rugby Sevens with organisers leveraging hospitality packages and destination experience packages.
At the 15th China National Games, tickets sales for events in Hong Kong held at weekends have surged, but have lagged for events held during the working week, giving organisers some leeway in post-conference events and unique itineraries.
The Games officially open on Sunday and will run until November 21, with Hong Kong playing host to fencing, golf, track cycling, men’s handball, rugby sevens, beach volleyball, basketball, and triathlon. A mass participation bowling event is also on the agenda, inviting groups to engage with the festivities.
Hong Kong
The city will host eight sports, including men’s U22 basketball, track cycling, fencing, golf, men’s handball, rugby sevens, triathlon, and beach volleyball. Hong Kong also plays a key role in cross-boundary marathon and road cycling events.
Key venues include:
- Kai Tak Sports Park: The stadiums and indoor sports venues will host rugby sevens and fencing.
- Hong Kong Velodrome: The venue for track cycling, offering high-speed thrills.
- Victoria Park: A section has been transformed into a beach volleyball arena.
Macao
Galaxy Arena will host table tennis, karate, and women’s volleyball (including the 3×3 format). The compact nature of Macao’s sports program is ideal for intimate group experiences, blending competition with luxury entertainment and a chance to explore the city’s heritage and cuisine.
Guangdong
The province neighbouring the two Special Administrative Regions leads the Games with 89 venues across such cities as Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Zhuhai. Highlights include:
- Guangdong Olympic Sports Centre (Guangzhou): Hosting athletics, diving, and water polo.
- Tianhe Sports Center: Women’s U16 football and roller skating.
- Nansha Gymnasium and Tennis Centre: Wushu and tennis in architecturally impressive venues.
Shenzhen and Zhuhai contribute to the cross-boundary marathon and cycling events, adding scenic and logistics that can be leveraged for unique travel narratives.
Suggested Itinerary
Event-travel planners can design multi-city itineraries that highlight the choices in the GBA:
– Start in Hong Kong with urban sports and stadium experiences.
– Travel via the bridge or by high-speed ferry to Macao for boutique events and luxury downtime.
– Conclude the tour in Guangzhou or Nansha with grand-scale competitions and take in the scenery and new look of this part of the GBA.
Among the most anticipated events is the men’s individual road cycling race over 231.8 kilometres that will span three cities. Scheduled for Saturday, the race will begin in Zhuhai at 9am and is expected to conclude around 2.30pm. Cyclists will ride 55.8km in Hong Kong using North Lantau Highway, roads next to the Disneyland resort and the bridge to Macao and Zhuhai. Rider are set to be in these sections 10.20am and 11.50am, offering groups a rare opportunity to see China’s top racers in action.
Main picture… Hong Kong cyclists in action at Malaysia National Velodrome. Picture: Gaie Uchel; via Shutterstock
