TOURISM is being factored into a huge project to create a technology-driven new district in northern Hong Kong bordering the neighbouring city of Shenzhen.
The move was announced in the Budget Address yesterday by Hong Kong government Financial Secretary Paul Chan.
A HK$200 million pilot scheme as part of the Northern Metropolis Urban‑Rural Integration Fund will support “rural tourism” within the expansive blueprint, according to reports.
The fund is aimed at helping to inject economic activity into more than 200 villages across what will be Hong Kong’s largest development zone, which will eventually provide a base for hi-tech industries, more residential and business co-operation with cities across the Greater Bay Area including Shenzhen.
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The initiative forms part of the government’s wider effort to disperse visitor activity beyond traditional urban hotspots and embed tourism as a catalyst for balanced regional development.
Chan said the scheme would encourage community‑level participation in revitalisation projects. “The scheme aims to encourage non‑governmental organisations and relevant bodies to take forward rural tourism projects and bring economic vitality to rural villages,” he was quoted by local media as saying.
The measure also dovetails with the government’s “Tourism Is Everywhere” approach, a campaign intended to expand Hong Kong’s tourism footprint into less‑explored districts. Officials view the Northern Metropolis – long earmarked for innovation, housing and cross‑border integration – as a testing ground for new tourism concepts that highlight ecological, cultural and heritage assets, according to reports.
Alongside the new rural‑tourism fund, the government also boosted support for Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB), allocating HK$1.66 billion for 2026-27 – up from HK$1.235 billion last year – to strengthen global promotion and anchor large‑scale events.
Chan told HKTB to sharpen its targeting of high‑value visitors from beyond neighbouring Guangdong province, including markets across Southeast Asia and the Middle East, as Hong Kong competes more aggressively for long‑haul and high‑spending travellers.
HKTB said it would intensify efforts across MICE and cruise tourism, while continuing to promote Greater Bay Area multi‑destination travel to spur wider commercial opportunities for local operators.
HKTB chairman Peter Lam said the expanded subvention would help accelerate the city’s tourism recovery and elevate Hong Kong’s competitive positioning.
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“HKTB will make full use of the resources allocated by the Government and partner with the trade to attract high-end overnight visitors, encouraging them to extend their stay and spend more, while enhancing visitor experiences in Hong Kong to inspire repeat visits,” Lam said.
“This will further strengthen the tourism industry’s contribution to the Hong Kong economy and benefit various trade sectors citywide.”
He said HKTB would also enhance the city’s mega‑event calendar and the distinct experiences it has to offer.
Main picture… A view of Hong Kong’s New Territories approaching the Lok Ma Chai boundary crossing into Shenzhen. Much of the area will undergo redevelopment into a tech-based new town, seeing more economic integration with industries across Greater Bay
