SCST Attends APEC Tourism Ministerial Meeting in Macao to Promote Hong Kong's Strategy for Smart Tourism

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.

The Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Miss Rosanna Law, today (June 27) attended the 13th Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Tourism Ministerial Meeting in Macao. Upon her arrival yesterday (June 26), Miss Law (left) met with the Minister of Culture and Tourism, Mr Sun Yeli (right). Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Miss Rosanna Law (front row, centre), shared with other participants Hong Kong's strategic approach to integrating digital and intelligent technologies to drive economic growth in tourism at a discussion session at the 13th Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Tourism Ministerial Meeting in Macao today (June 27). Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

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

The Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Miss Rosanna Law, today (June 27) attended the 13th Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Tourism Ministerial Meeting in Macao. Photo shows Miss Law (front row, third right), the Minister of Culture and Tourism, Mr Sun Yeli (front row, centre) and other participants. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

CAD and aviation management personnel complete National Studies and Visit Program

The seven-day National Studies and Visit Program for the management personnel of the Civil Aviation Department (CAD) and Hong Kong's aviation industry concluded today (June 28). On the occasion of the 80th Anniversary of the department, CAD invited the management personnel from various local civil aviation organisations to take part in the national studies course at the National Academy of Governance (NAG) together and conduct site visit to a number of aviation facilities there. The program aimed at enhancing participants understanding of the country's development and visionary strategy, so as to continue to work together to promote the aviation development.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Director-General of Civil Aviation, Mr Victor Liu, said that with full support by the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC), the course is tailor-made to meet the professional needs of CAD and local aviation industry. Mr Liu expressed his sincere gratitude to the Administrator of the CAAC, Mr Song Zhiyong, for attending the first day of the course as keynote speaker, in which he shared the high-quality development of the civil aviation in China, and provided participants with high-level professional guidance and forward-looking insights. He also acknowledged the support of the Vice President of the National Academy of Governance, Mr Li Wentang, in meeting with the course participants, and providing guidance to the teaching team.

The course covers various topics including national policy, national security, foreign affairs, technologies and civil aviation. The participants also had opportunity to visit Beijing Daxing International Airport, as well as the trio of the CAAC (namely the Operation Management Centre, Aviation Meteorological Centre and Aeronautical Information Service Centre), with a view to deepening connection with the Mainland authorities, as well as the experts and scholars there.

A total of 30 management personnel from CAD and aviation sector participated in the program. The Deputy Director-General of Civil Aviation, Ms Clara Wong, represented CAD to attend the graduation ceremony. After that, she joined the participants to proceed to Tianjin, and paid visit to the "Uprising of the Two Airlines" Exhibition Hall and Civil Aviation University of China, to gain a deeper understanding of our country’s civil aviation development.

CAD and aviation management personnel complete National Studies and Visit Program Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

CAD and aviation management personnel complete National Studies and Visit Program Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

CAD and aviation management personnel complete National Studies and Visit Program Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

CAD and aviation management personnel complete National Studies and Visit Program Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

CAD and aviation management personnel complete National Studies and Visit Program Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases