SCST: Highlighting Hong Kong's Tourism Growth at 2026 Hong Kong Tourism Development Forum Opening Dinner

Speech by SCST at 2026 Hong Kong Tourism Development Forum opening dinner

Following is the speech by the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Miss Rosanna Law, at the 2026 Hong Kong Tourism Development Forum opening dinner today (June 9):

(Chairman of the ChinaTourism Group, Mr Wang Haimin), (Chairman of the World Tourism Alliance, Mr Zhang Xu), (Director-General of the China Center of International Cultural Exchange and Tourism Promotion under the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the People's Republic of China, Mr Zhang Weiguo), (Chairman of the Hong Kong Tourism Board, Dr Peter Lam), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

Good evening! First and foremost, I wish to express my sincere gratitude to the China Travel Service (CTS) Group for organising the 2026 Hong Kong Tourism Development Forum. This forum offers a valuable platform for tourism industry peers from around the world to exchange insights and come together in Hong Kong to explore new opportunities for the future of our sector.

Hong Kong's tourism industry is on a steady rise. Last year, we welcomed nearly 50 million visitor arrivals – an increase of over 10 per cent over 2024. Both the Chinese Mainland and overseas markets delivered truly encouraging performance. Looking ahead, we project total visitor arrivals for the full year of 2026 to reach 53.8 million, representing an 8 per cent year-on-year increase. According to preliminary figures, in the first five months of this year alone, we welcomed approximately 23 million visitor arrivals – putting us firmly on track to meet our annual forecast.

These remarkable achievements are the result of the concerted efforts and continuous improvement of the entire tourism ecosystem - from frontline service personnel to behind-the-scenes management teams, and from hotels, dining, and attractions to transportation, retail, and culture, sports and mega events. The Hong Kong Tourism Board, the CTS Group, and all our sector friends have played an instrumental role. To every one of you, I extend my heartfelt gratitude for your hard and excellent work.

Global travel trends are evolving rapidly. Travelers today are no longer satisfied with surface-level tourism, they seek more diverse and in-depth experiences. Cities around the world are rolling out innovative strategies to attract visitors. Hong Kong must keep pace with the times - and go further. We need to create more unique, "Only in Hong Kong" products and experiences that make visitors delighted to stay, reluctant to leave, and eager to return.

Tourists in Hong Kong, Photo source: reference image

Earlier today, the Chief Executive announced the launch of the public consultation of Hong Kong's first five-year plan. The Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau will actively listen to stakeholders' views on the development of our tourism industry. This year's Hong Kong Tourism Development Forum provides an excellent platform for exactly that exchange - enabling industry professionals from different sectors to discuss strategies and offer insightful recommendations for the future of tourism.

Ladies and gentlemen, Hong Kong is a city full of energy, vibrancy and possibilities. We have a unique East-meets-West cultural heritage, world-class infrastructure and service standards, and a community of passionate, forward-looking professionals - including all of you here today. I firmly believe that as long as we continue to work hand in hand, Hong Kong's tourism industry will reach new heights of success.

Thank you.

The Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Miss Rosanna Law, Photo source: reference image

Employers, contractors and employees should be aware of electrical safety at work during rainstorms

As the rainstorm warning has been issued by the Hong Kong Observatory, the Labour Department (LD) reminds employers and contractors that they should adopt necessary work arrangements and take suitable safety measures to protect the safety of their employees when they are carrying out electrical work or handling electrical plant.

A spokesman for the LD said today (October 4) that employers and contractors should avoid assigning employees to carry out electrical work (such as electric arc welding work) or handle electrical plant at places affected by rainstorms, and should refer to the "Code of Practice in Times of Adverse Weather and 'Extreme Conditions'" and the "Guide on Safety at Work in times of Inclement Weather" issued by the LD.

Even if electrical work is carried out or electrical plant is handled at places not affected by a rainstorm, suitable safety measures must still be adopted to prevent an electric shock as the air would be more humid. Such measures include:

(i) Ensure that all live parts of an electrical installation are isolated from the power supply source and rendered dead, and the isolation from the power supply source must be maintained as long as electrical work is being carried out;

(ii) Before carrying out any electrical work or handling any electrical plant, cut off and lock out the power supply source, then test the circuit concerned to confirm that it is dead and display suitable warning notices, and issue a work permit thereafter;

(iii) Ensure that protective devices (such as suitable and adequate fuses and circuit breakers) for the electrical installations or electrical plant have been installed and maintained in good working order, and portable electric tools must be double-insulated or properly earthed;

(iv) Provide suitable personal protective equipment such as insulating gloves and insulating mats for employees; and

(v) If live electrical work is unavoidable, a comprehensive risk assessment should be conducted by a competent person and the appropriate safety precautions should be taken to remove or properly control the electrical hazards involved before such work can proceed.

In addition, employees should co-operate with the employer or contractor to follow the safety instructions and use the safety equipment provided.

The LD has published guidebooks and leaflets on electrical work safety. These safety publications are available free from divisional offices of the department or can be downloaded from its website (www.labour.gov.hk/eng/public/content2_8.htm).

Should there be any questions about occupational safety and health matters, please contact the Occupational Safety Officer of the LD at 2559 2297.

Source: AI-found images