To make a marina tourism splash, Hong Kong needs more than infrastructure
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Hong Kong recorded nearly
45 million visitor arrivals in 2024, up 31 per cent from the previous year. This figure places the city ahead of regional competitors including Singapore (16.5 million) and Taiwan (over 7 million). Japan welcomed 36.9 million visitors last year.
To sustain growth, Hong Kong is hoping to shift into the blue economy – in particular
marina tourism – with the Airport Authority planning a new yacht harbour with 500 berths. A critical question remains: if we build it, will more yachts come?
In Macau, where tourism
recovered sooner from the pandemic, the Zhongshan-Macau Free Yacht Scheme initiated in 2016 has seen minimal traffic, in stark contrast to expectations.
Singapore, which has around 880 berths to Hong Kong's 4,000, hosted the Singapore Yachting Festival in April, attracting 13,000 visitors and over 70 vessels. The Hong Kong Cruise and Yacht Industry Association relocated to Singapore in 2024. A major factor in Singapore's success is marina planning: berths are not just docking spaces; they are alongside waterfront restaurants and retail spaces, encouraging leisurely strolls and dining.
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