Tap Hong Kong cinema and horse racing to drive cultural wave

To truly revive tourism in Hong Kong, we must look beyond our stunning skyline and one-off events. It’s imperative that we shift our focus towards crafting authentic “Hong Kong” experiences which encapsulate the essence of our city.

The recently released blueprint for Hong Kong’s tourism industry sets the stage for the government’s commitment to building a brand of diverse cultural offerings, including traditional heritage, pop culture, performing arts and more. This is a vital step in the right direction.

One of the most successful cultural brands today is hallyu, or the “Korean wave”, which offers invaluable lessons for Hong Kong. As of 2023, the global number of hallyu fans reached an impressive 225 million, according to a Korea Foundation report. A 2023 survey revealed that more than 30 per cent of respondents said hallyu content was the biggest reason they travelled to Korea. This success story has expanded from audiovisual content to encompass Korean food, fashion, beauty and lifestyle. In contrast, Hong Kong is rich in underutilised cultural treasures just waiting to be explored by tourists.