PSCST Highlights HK's Global Hospitality Leadership at the "Celebrating Hong Kong's Tourism and Hospitality Excellence" Event

Speech by PSCST at Celebrating Hong Kong's Tourism and Hospitality Excellence event

Following is the speech by the Permanent Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Ms Vivian Sum, at the Celebrating Hong Kong's Tourism and Hospitality Excellence event today (October 7):

Peter (Chairman of the Hong Kong Tourism Board, Dr Peter Lam), Sonia (Chief Executive Officer of Rosewood Hotel Group, Ms Sonia Cheng), distinguished guests, industry leaders, friends from the travel industry, ladies and gentlemen,

Good evening. I am delighted to be invited to join so many distinguished leaders from the tourism and hospitality sector this evening to celebrate the achievements of our industry. I would like to extend my sincere thanks to the Hong Kong Tourism Board and Rosewood Hotel Group for cohosting tonight's event.

We gather to celebrate the outstanding achievements that continue to solidify Hong Kong's position as Asia's world city and the world's most prestigious travel destination. The global rankings speak for themselves. Leading the way is our gracious host, Rosewood Hotel Group, which has been honoured with the Most Admired Hotel Group Award; while Rosewood Hong Kong has retained its global No. 1 title in the World's 50 Best Hotels 2026. This is an exceptional double distinction and a powerful testimony of Rosewood's unwavering commitment to excellence. Rosewood's success is part of an outstanding showing by Hong Kong's hospitality sector, with five of our hotels standing proudly among the world's top 100 best hotels in 2026.

In gastronomy and mixology, six Hong Kong restaurants made Asia's 50 Best Restaurants 2026, while seven bars earned recognition in Asia's 50 Best Bars 2026. Up in the skies, our home carrier Cathay Pacific was once again ranked among the top three World's Best Airlines, along with receiving awards for the World's Best Cabin Crew and World's Best First Class Airline Lounge at the Skytrax World Airline Awards.

My warmest congratulations go to Rosewood, Cathay, and all the award winners. These awards do not come by chance. They are earned through continuous dedication and an unwavering commitment to quality. In a highly competitive global tourism landscape, it is the concerted efforts, resilience, and exceptional hospitality of the tourism and hospitality trade that truly set Hong Kong apart. It is your commitment to quality that defines the "Only in Hong Kong" experience, leaving a lasting impression on every traveller who sets foot in our city.

Building on this momentum, the Government is fully committed to providing the industry with our robust and unwavering backing. The Government has attached great importance to the strategic and long-term development of tourism in the First Five-Year Plan for Economic and Social Development (First Five-Year Plan for Economic and Social Development of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (2026-2030)) and the latest Chief Executive's 2026 Policy Address. Amongst others, the Government will regularise the additional annual funding provided to the Hong Kong Tourism Board for hosting flagship events, so as to allow the Hong Kong Tourism Board to exercise greater strategic foresight in its planning for long-term, forward-looking promotional strategies.

A prime example of these forward-looking promotional strategies is our new mega-event framework. To solidify Hong Kong's reputation as the events capital of Asia, the Hong Kong Tourism Board will demarcate three themed periods every year, namely the International Arts Season, running from February to May; the Chinese Arts Season, from June to September; and the Festive Mega Events Season, from October through February of the following year. Leveraging this new framework, we aim to significantly boost visitor spending and extend their length of stay in Hong Kong, bringing benefits to every facet of the tourism and hospitality industry.

Ladies and gentlemen, while policy initiatives and government funding lay the foundation, it is your passion, creativity, and pursuit of excellence that bring these strategies to life. You transform them into an all-round and multidimensional quality travel experience for every visitor. The world-class recognitions we celebrate tonight prove beyond doubt that Hong Kong's hospitality standards remain unrivalled on the global stage.

As we look ahead, the Government will continue to walk hand in hand with the trade. We will continue to sharpen our competitive edge, nurture and develop our tourism products, and welcome the world with open arms and open hearts.

Thank you once again for your extraordinary partnership, your leadership, and your dedication to making Hong Kong shine. To enable visitors experience only in Hong Kong. Please enjoy this wonderful evening while sampling the level of excellence we are all so proud of.

The Permanent Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Ms Vivian Sum, Photo source: reference image

Hong Kong Customs conducts interdepartmental anti-illicit cigarette publicity campaigns in North District

Hong Kong Customs yesterday (October 7) conducted joint anti-illicit cigarette publicity campaigns with members of the North District Council, the Tobacco and Alcohol Control Office (TACO) of the Department of Health, the Housing Department (HD) and the Hong Kong Police Force at Choi Yuen Estate and Ching Ho Estate in Sheung Shui. Customs also publicised the Duty Stamp System.

Customs officers patrolled the housing estates and introduced to residents Customs' enforcement actions against illicit cigarettes, and reminded them that the maximum penalty for offences related to duty-not-paid cigarettes has been increased to a $2 million fine and seven-years' imprisonment. Customs also explained to estate security personnel how to deal with suspected illicit cigarette activities.

Customs officers also introduced to members of the District Council, residents, and newspaper and cigarette retailers the Duty Stamp System to be implemented in Hong Kong. The three-month Pilot Run for the Duty Stamp System launched by Customs concluded early this year. The department will continue to maintain close communication with all stakeholders and optimise the design and implementation details of the system. Customs expects the Duty Stamp System to achieve the ultimate goal of effective distinguishment of duty-paid cigarettes from duty-not-paid ones, and to combat "cheap whites".

Customs will continue to strengthen publicity and education to raise public awareness of anti-illicit cigarettes. If public rental housing units are found to be involved in illicit cigarette crimes, Customs will notify the HD for follow-up action after the conclusion of court proceedings. Customs reminds members of the public not to buy or sell illicit cigarettes or distribute illicit cigarette leaflets to avoid creating a criminal record that could affect their future.

Under the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance (Cap. 109), anyone involved in dealing with, possession of, selling or buying illicit cigarettes commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years. Members of the public are urged to report any suspected illicit cigarette activities to Customs' 24-hour hotline 182 8080, its dedicated crime-reporting email account(crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).

In accordance with the Smoking (Public Health) Ordinance (Cap. 371), no person shall distribute any smoking product advertisement (including any promotional leaflet). Any person who contravenes the regulation is liable to a maximum fine of $50,000. Members of the public are also urged to report any suspected activities of illicit cigarette leaflet distribution to TACO's hotline 2961 8823.

Hong Kong Customs conducts interdepartmental anti-illicit cigarette publicity campaigns in North District Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Hong Kong Customs conducts interdepartmental anti-illicit cigarette publicity campaigns in North District Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Hong Kong Customs conducts interdepartmental anti-illicit cigarette publicity campaigns in North District Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases