Hong Kong's Strategy for Smart Tourism Highlighted at APEC Ministerial Meeting in Macao

SCST attends APEC Tourism Ministerial Meeting in Macao

The Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Miss Rosanna Law, today (June 27) attended the 13th Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Tourism Ministerial Meeting in Macao.

The theme for the meeting this year is "Digital Innovation, Collaborative Empowerment: Leveraging Tourism for an Asia-Pacific Community". At a discussion session, Miss Law shared with other participants Hong Kong's strategic approach to integrating digital and intelligent technologies to drive economic growth in tourism.

In her address, Miss Law highlighted the city's remarkable recovery and strategic direction, noting that Hong Kong welcomed nearly 50 million visitors in 2025—a 12 per cent year-on-year increase—and hosted over 240 mega events, many of which were held at the Kai Tak Sports Park. She said these results reflect Hong Kong's strategic vision of "+ Tourism", which weaves together culture, heritage, arts, sports, and mega events to create richer and more immersive visitor experiences.

During the discussion session, Miss Law outlined a three-pronged strategy for harnessing technology to ensure sustainable growth:

1. Disseminating Smart Information

Hong Kong is leveraging big data and AI to provide travellers with real-time, personalised information. The Discover Hong Kong platform, managed by the Hong Kong Tourism Board, now offers live crowd updates and waiting times for major attractions during peak travel periods. The Government is also developing an AI-powered itinerary-planning feature on the platform and collaborating with map service providers to integrate data into a dedicated Hong Kong travel map, enabling visitors to plan their ideal trips in just a few clicks.

2. Nurturing Tourism Products with Smart Elements

Technology is being embedded into attractions to create authentic yet globally appealing experiences. From the new East Kowloon Cultural Centre, which incubates arts-tech performances, to the Hong Kong Museum of Art, which blends heritage with multimedia, and events like Art Basel Hong Kong featuring AI-generated avatars, these innovations deepen visitor engagement. Attractions such as Hong Kong Disneyland are also utilising advanced animatronics to enhance guest experiences. Miss Law added that when visitors connect in this way, they stay longer, spend more, and become storytellers who amplify the city's cultural identity.

3. Empowering the Tourism Trade

To ensure the widespread benefits of smart tourism, Hong Kong is committed to empowering its workforce. The Government has collaborated with Cyberport, the city's flagship IT hub, to connect technology providers with industry practitioners to solve real-world challenges through digital solutions, enhancing productivity and global competitiveness.

In her concluding remarks, Miss Law reminded delegates of the human element at the heart of travel. "Tourism does not thrive on technology alone, but also on the warmth of human connection. While AI can personalise journeys and digital tools enhance convenience, they can never replace the real local stories and human interactions that truly define travel. Let us use technology to enrich, rather than replace, the soul of our destinations. Let us work to ensure every visitor explores our cities, deeply, meaningfully, and memorably," she said.

Upon her arrival in Macao yesterday (June 26), Miss Law met with the Minister of Culture and Tourism, Mr Sun Yeli. After the meeting, she attended the welcome dinner for the 13th APEC Tourism Ministerial Meeting.

Miss Law returned to Hong Kong today following the meeting.

SCST attends APEC Tourism Ministerial Meeting in Macao Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

SCST attends APEC Tourism Ministerial Meeting in Macao Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

SCST attends APEC Tourism Ministerial Meeting in Macao Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

SCST attends APEC Tourism Ministerial Meeting in Macao Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Foundation course of fourth phase of Rule of Law Education Train-the-Leaders Programme concluded

Themed "Rule of Law Education (ROLE) Stars", the foundation course of the fourth phase of the ROLE Train-the-Leaders (TTL) Programme organised by the Department of Justice (DoJ) was concluded today (June 27).

The two-day foundation course was attended by about 120 trainees from district youth committees in the 18 districts, the Lions Clubs International District 303 Hong Kong & Macao, China, and the Rotary International District 3450. A number of trainees said the course content, supplemented by concrete and daily examples, was practical and easy to understand. The course has deepened their understanding on the principles of the rule of law, enabling them to convey correct messages on the rule of law to others through different roles in the community.

Led by the Secretary for Justice, Mr Paul Lam, SC, the foundation course of the TTL Programme was launched yesterday (June 26). Mr Lam as the speaker briefed the trainees on important topics such as the rule of law and the Hong Kong legal system. Member of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Basic Law Committee under the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC) and Legislative Council Member, Professor Priscilla Leung, also briefed trainees on the legal system of the Chinese Mainland and functions of state institutions such as the NPC.

On the second day of the TTL Programme, the Deputy Secretary for Justice, Dr Cheung Kwok-kwan, together with renowned host and columnist Maggie Chang, equipped trainees with teaching and communication skills in disseminating messages on the rule of law, and shared their insights and practical experiences. Member of the Steering Committee on Rule of Law Education and barrister, Ms Sabrina Ho, and solicitor, Ms Roberta Chan, also took part as speakers to explain topics including Hong Kong's court proceedings, the legal profession and alternative dispute resolution services. The trainees then participated in an interactive session comprising group discussions and exchanges.

The certificate presentation ceremony of the TTL Programme was held after the talks, with Mr Lam presenting certificates to trainees who had completed the two-day foundation course.

Looking ahead, the DoJ will continue to maintain close collaboration with relevant government departments and community stakeholders to promote rule of law education, enhance the public's understanding and application of proper messages on the rule of law, and instil a law-abiding culture through diverse initiatives, hence working hand in hand with various sectors to uphold the rule of law in society.

For more details on the TTL Programme and other relevant information, please visit the dedicated website at www.role-ttl.gov.hk.

Foundation course of fourth phase of Rule of Law Education Train-the-Leaders Programme concluded Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Foundation course of fourth phase of Rule of Law Education Train-the-Leaders Programme concluded Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Foundation course of fourth phase of Rule of Law Education Train-the-Leaders Programme concluded Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Foundation course of fourth phase of Rule of Law Education Train-the-Leaders Programme concluded Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Foundation course of fourth phase of Rule of Law Education Train-the-Leaders Programme concluded Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Foundation course of fourth phase of Rule of Law Education Train-the-Leaders Programme concluded Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Foundation course of fourth phase of Rule of Law Education Train-the-Leaders Programme concluded Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases