Content Writer: Janice Chew • Monday, 25/09/2025 - 22:02:17 - PM
At the start of the 2025 racing season on Sunday, Chief Executive John Lee reaffirmed his support for promoting horse racing as a cornerstone of Hong Kong’s tourism offering. Speaking at Sha Tin Racecourse, Lee encouraged the Hong Kong Tourism Board and travel industry to craft high-quality tour packages that include racing experiences, combining heritage, sport, and entertainment for both domestic and international visitors.
This move builds on momentum generated by earlier policy initiatives. Horse racing tourism was notably included in the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau’s “Tourism Industry 2.0” development blueprint. Additionally, the Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC) signed a strategic memorandum with China Travel Service (CTS) to weave its racecourses—Sha Tin, Happy Valley, and the upcoming Conghua—into Greater Bay Area travel itineraries. These partnerships, alongside support from the Chief Executive, are positioning racing as a key pillar of Hong Kong’s event-led tourism strategy.
With such backing from the highest government levels, horse racing in Hong Kong is evolving beyond a traditional pastime into a multifaceted sporting tourism attraction. By integrating themed tours, immersive experiences, and cross-border travel packages, the city aims to enhance visitor appeal and stimulate economic returns. If successful, this elevated racing experience could significantly boost tourism, enrich cultural exchange, and reinforce the city’s global identity in sport and entertainment.
