Hong Kong’s tourism sector underwent major shifts in 2024, with a surprise bumper sloth of giant pandas, a push for mega-events and the sacking of a minister grabbing some of the year’s biggest headlines.
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Authorities announced a HK$1.09 billion (US$139 million) package in February to boost the local tourism trade and diversify the industry to adapt to changing visitor trends in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic.
The government also rolled out a slew of measures to boost spending and encourage longer stays in response to calls by Beijing’s top official on Hong Kong affairs to treat every corner of the city as a tourist hotspot.
The Post looks back on the year’s tourism highlights.
A new minister
Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu sacked his tourism and transport ministers late in the year amid growing dissatisfaction with their handling of critical issues under their portfolios.
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Kevin Yeung Yun-hung and Lam Sai-hung were replaced by Rosanna Law Shuk-pui and Mable Chan respectively in December, with Lee citing a need for “reform mindsets” and effective leadership as key qualities to revitalise the two sectors.