WTCF Hong Kong Fragrant Hills Tourism Summit concludes successfully in Hong Kong Beijing-Hong Kong Tourism Business Matching Session achieves significant results; industry leaders gain first-hand experience of city’s diverse appeal

Hosted by the World Tourism Cities Federation (WTCF) and the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and organized by the Beijing Municipal Bureau of Culture and Tourism, the WTCF Secretariat and the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB), the WTCF Hong Kong Fragrant Hills Tourism Summit 2025 concluded successfully today (April 16). Held for the first time in Hong Kong, the Summit emphasised the city's significant role as an international tourism hub and provided fresh momentum for the global tourism industry’s future growth. Held in Hong Kong from 14 to 17 April, the Summit attracted around 800 local and international guests from over 40 countries and more than 60 cities, including city mayors, deputy mayors, ambassadors stationed in Hong Kong, representatives of international organisations, industry leaders, and tourismrelated stakeholders. The impressive number and calibre of attendees highlight the event's prominence and significant recognition within the global tourism industry. 

At the opening ceremony, welcoming speeches were delivered by John KC Lee, Chief Executive, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and Sima Hong, Vice Mayor of Beijing & Executive ViceChair of the WTCF Council. Throughout the event, a comprehensive programme—consisting of a Mayors’ Forum, research report launches, thematic forums, promotional activities, business matching sessions, and exhibitions. The Summit successfully established a new platform for multilateral exchange and cooperation among global tourism cities. The Summit effectively facilitated high-quality cultural and tourism resource connections, strengthened international city partnerships, and fostered the sustainable growth of urban tourism economies. The event attracted significant industry attention, sparking extensive discussion about tourism opportunities in Beijing and Hong Kong. 

Industry leaders discuss future opportunities for Hong Kong tourism 

HKTB and China Tourism Group (CTG) co-hosted the Hong Kong Tourism Development Forum under the theme Future Forward: Hong Kong Tourism New Horizons, gathering insights from a crosssection of government leaders, senior executives from international corporations, and academic experts. Rosanna Law, Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism; Dr Peter Lam, Chairman of HKTB; and Wang Haimin, Chairman of CTG, delivered opening remarks. Senior executives from Cathay Pacific, Trip.com, Hong Kong Disneyland, Royal Caribbean, and Estée Lauder Companies, subsequently provided presentations, outlining strategic directions for the future of the tourism industry. 

Rosanna Law, Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, stated that tourism is a fast-moving and ever-changing landscape.  The spirit of “steering changes” in the Development Blueprint for Hong Kong’s Tourism Industry 2.0 is a key to meeting challenges ahead and seizing opportunities for growth.  She encouraged stakeholders to break out from the boundaries of previous endeavours, even old patterns of success, and be bold to come out of comfort zones and embrace new technology and innovation, and bring out new proposals that can inject fresh impetus into Hong Kong’s tourism industry. She added that today’s forum offers great opportunity for putting our heads together for the future of Hong Kong’s tourism industry. Hong Kong’s hosting of this year’s Fragrant Hills Summit also showcases our strategic advantages in fostering deeper international exchanges and cooperation in this area of tourism development, and in bringing together industry leaders worldwide for fruitful deliberation and swift actions. She looks forward to writing the next chapter of Hong Kong’s tourism story – one filled with innovation, resilience and marvelous opportunities with all the participants. 

HKTB Chairman Dr Peter Lam said, “Looking ahead, the GBA creates an exciting milestone for Hong Kong and regional tourism, providing fresh opportunities to share the richness of our city and region with the world. As a super connector, Hong Kong will continue to deepen partnerships across the GBA and with international markets.” 

Wang Haimin, Chairman of China Tourism Group said, “CTG has been rooted in Hong Kong for nearly 100 years, it is honored to co-organize this forum, aiming to consolidate Hong Kong's position as a world-class premier tourism destination. We anticipate this forum will bring innovation, inspiration and significant IP, which will promote cooperation among tourism industry.”

The forum featured a panel discussion moderated by Dr. Dai Bin, President of the China Tourism Academy. Industry leaders from Dingdu Group, Meituan, and H World Group joined the discussion, along with Professor Haiyan Song, Associate Dean of the School of Hotel and Tourism Management at Hong Kong Polytechnic University, and Perry Yiu, Legislative Council Member (Tourism). The panellists provided in-depth insights into the latest trends, developments, and opportunities shaping Hong Kong’s tourism industry.

Hong Kong-themed experiences highlight city’s diverse international attractions 

To offer delegates a direct experience of Hong Kong’s diverse attractions, HKTB arranged four themed itineraries, guiding participants to explore several landmark sites and gain deeper insights into the city’s multifaceted character. 

Participants joined various tours, including a visit to Ocean Park and its newly opened Giant Panda Pavilion to learn about Hong Kong’s conservation initiatives from an international perspective, as well as a sightseeing tour by boat of Aberdeen Typhoon Shelter to explore the city’s historical fishing village culture. Another group rode the Ngong Ping 360 cable car to admire The Big Buddha, the world’s highest outdoor bronze seated Buddha, and enjoyed panoramic views of the South China Sea and Ngong Ping plateau, experiencing Hong Kong’s unique blend of natural beauty and religious culture. 

Others took the sixth-generation Peak Tram to Victoria Peak, taking in panoramic views from Sky Terrace 428 and Peak Tower, followed by a water-taxi tour of Victoria Harbour, passing iconic landmarks and appreciating the harbour’s scenic vistas. Another tour featured an open-top bus ride around Kowloon, with visits to cultural institutions such as the Hong Kong Palace Museum or M+ in the West Kowloon Cultural District, and Tin Hau Temple, showcasing Hong Kong’s distinctive combination of traditional heritage and modern urban life, and highlighting the city’s unique fusion of Eastern and Western cultural and artistic influences. 

Delegates praised these experiences, noting that the tours greatly enhanced their understanding of Hong Kong’s unique charm and cultural diversity as an international metropolis such as the city’s vibrant urban life complemented by its profound traditional heritage. Whether exploring natural landscapes, historical landmarks, or contemporary arts and culture, delegates found Hong Kong provided exceptionally varied and engaging tourism experiences. They particularly emphasised the city’s unique vibe and captivating blend of Eastern and Western influences, remarking that the visit left a lasting and memorable impression. 

For details about the WTCF HK Fragrant Hills Tourism Summit, please visit:   https://en.wtcf.org.cn/special/a9fee4b4-3bd3-49b7-bdc2-0c6907ae4c2c.html