From outdoors to adventure sports, how Hong Kong is “Rethinking Tourism”

As international travel returns after almost two years of hiatus, tourists are no longer looking for the traditional way of rejuvenation. They want to go on journeys that gives them an experience of a lifetime, one that gets them closer to mother nature. As per multiple reports on evolution of Indian travellers, it is evident that they are keener than ever to travel more sustainably in the future. Travel itineraries are getting longer, going beyond the traditional bucket list.

With the changing consumer attitudes towards travel, destinations are now taking a cue and rethinking their diverse offerings. However, long before this shift, the city of Hong Kong had made huge advances in its efforts to integrate Culture & Tourism Development in the city with the plan to “Shape Tourism by Culture, Showcase Culture by Tourism”, that is deeply entrenched in everything-art, culture, modern traditions, culinary, great outdoors, and wellness!

As the city announces “0+3” arrangements for inbound tourists, including the removal of mandatory hotel quarantine, let’s look at how Hong Kong is Rethinking Tourism:

Hong Kong is home to the world’s simplest and most effective sustainable solutions. From prioritizing green assets to conserving the natural environment, the city has embraced sustainability in its soul. A robust public transportation system, green buildings, preserving traditional Hakka villages, food upcycling and designation of natural parks, are just a few ways in which the city has managed to create a mark in sustainable practices. From choosing hotels with sustainable practices, restaurants offering upcycled beer and serving farm to table local produce, Hong Kong lets you plan itineraries while keeping a check on the carbon footprint. With not just modern architecture to display, Hong Kong is also home to many marine parks and UNESCO geopark that conserves the rich flora and fauna of the city and its diverse ecosystem.

The residents of Hong Kong love arts and the city has made sure that it is celebrated. Hong Kong is often attributed as the hub of arts in Asia and rightly so. The city has given special focus to organizing global arts events, creating art districts and hotspots, hosting exhibitions, and so much more. The recent opening of Hong Kong Palace Museum - a cultural landmark with timeless treasures, M+ museum of visual cultures, redevelopment of Hong Museum of Art - stories of the city and Tai Kwun - a fusion of heritage and art, are proof of city’s commitment to art sector and supporting the local community and the artists. To bring out the creative aspect of Hong Kong out in the open for the world to be amused, the city recently launched the Arts in Hong Kong campaign in various markets of the world and garnered great responses with participation from artists and art enthusiasts globally. Art for the residents of Hong Kong is a way of living and expressing themselves. Adding colors to the city’s already vibrant arts scene is the West Kowloon Cultural District, a growing arts and cultural hub with performance and exhibition centres, green open spaces, and a waterfront promenade perfect for enjoying sunset views and evening strolls.

Wherever you go in Hong Kong, you’ll always be surrounded by food. From green rooftop bars and restaurants to diverse street food stalls, Hong Kong knows how to appreciate and enjoy their local food and world cuisines. From Michelin Star restaurants to bars championing sustainability to traditional minority cuisines, the city has created a culture around food which is nonreplicable in any other part of the world. Tourists flock to the city from across the globe to experience everything from vegan food to exotic seafood. The upcoming Hong Kong Wine and Dine Festival, themed “Taste Around Town” is most celebrated annual event that brings the festival’s chillaxing vibes into different neighborhoods across the city. With such a vast variety of food experiences to offer, the city is undoubtedly the major culinary hub of the world where you get to see a diverse mix of chefs preparing a diverse range of food and serving it to most global palate.

The Asia’s World City is not just about huge skyscrapers and fast-moving city life. Hong Kong has always been what any tourist wants it to be. From keeping more than 70% of its geographical area under green cover for nature lovers, to clean hiking trails to the top of mountains for the outdoor person, to extreme adventure sports for pumping the adrenaline inside, Hong Kong has something to offer for everyone. Be it trail running, hiking, water sports or island hopping, Hong Kong caters to all age groups and makes sure everyone is at home in Hong Kong.