Strengthening cultural ties through tourism: Hainan and Hong Kong introduce 'One-Journey, Multi- destination' travel experience
Hainan, China's tropical paradise, and Hong Kong, a bustling global city, are strengthening their ties through increased tourism and cultural collaborations.
Over the past seven months, Hainan has seen a significant surge in tourist arrivals from Hong Kong. From January to July this year, over 85,000 tourists arrived in Hainan, marking a 28.8% increase year-on-year. This growth is attributed to the geographical proximity, cultural affinities, and strong business links between the two regions, forming a natural foundation for collaboration.
Hainan is offering 144-hour visa-free access for tour groups from Hong Kong and Macao, and enhanced air connectivity has created a 'one-hour tourism circle' for international travellers between the two destinations. This ease of travel has made Hainan more accessible to Hong Kong tourists, contributing to the increase in arrivals.
In April, tourism associations from both Hainan and Hong Kong signed a strategic agreement to jointly create 'one-trip, multiple-stops' itineraries. This collaboration aims to provide tourists with a more diverse and enriching travel experience, showcasing the best of both destinations.
The promotion of sports events in Hainan, such as martial arts, dragon boat racing, and golf, is part of the efforts to foster deeper cultural and sporting collaborations between Hainan and Hong Kong. These events aim to mark a new milestone in regional tourism cooperation between the two regions.
Wang Yuechuan, Director of the International and Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan Market Promotion Office of Hainan's Department of Tourism, Culture, Radio, Television and Sports, announced collaborations with major Hong Kong enterprises for international performances, art exhibitions, cultural tourism, and broadcasting and film projects.
The events will feature over 80 curated photographs, nearly 200 exhibits, and over 10 interactive activities, providing visitors with a comprehensive overview of Hainan's cultural and tourism offerings.
Hainan is also actively working towards enhancing its international positioning through these collaborations. The integration of Hainan and Hong Kong's cultural and tourism resources is a promising development for the region's international positioning and the enrichment of visitor experiences.
Hainan offers visa-free entry for citizens of 86 countries, and these favorable travel policies are intended to facilitate international travel and lay the groundwork for deeper cultural, sporting, and creative collaborations.
Hong Kong, with its tens of millions of annual tourists, is acting as a 'super connector,' bridging global visitors with Hainan. The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (HKETO) works in collaboration with international partners across politics, business, and culture to develop international events, art exhibitions, cultural tourism, television, and film projects.
These collaborations between Hainan and Hong Kong aim to develop international performances, art exhibitions, cultural tourism, and broadcasting and film projects, further enriching the visitor experiences in both destinations.
Moreover, Hainan is promoting exchanges in more than nine sports events including martial arts, dragon boat racing, and golf, adding a dynamic and exciting element to the cultural and tourism collaborations.
The promotion event at K11 Art Mall in Hong Kong is set to take place from September 7 to 11, showcasing Hainan's cultural and tourism offerings through imaging, intangible heritage, gastronomy, and performance. This event will undoubtedly be a significant step forward in the ongoing collaborations between Hainan and Hong Kong.
