Why Hong Kong is ready to come roaring back
From new cultural attractions to charming historic neighbourhoods, Hong Kong Tourism Board’s UK and Northern Europe director Dawn Page tells TTG that visitors will once again find plenty to pique their interests
Why is now a good time for agents to promote Hong Kong?
We have been planning for Hong Kong’s border reopening for the past 18 months, and the lifting of travel restrictions and the removal of the mask mandate is absolutely fantastic. The Hong Kong Tourism Board announced the Hello Hong Kong campaign in February, which shares the city’s warm welcome to the world.
As part of the campaign, we are offering visitors a digital goodie bag to unlock citywide discounts, which can be redeemed via our website, DiscoverHongKong.com. Let’s also not forget the Airport Authority’s 500,000 flight promotion, which will launch in the UK in May.
Which are your newest hotels?
Hong Kong’s hotel inventory has continued to grow since 2019 when we celebrated the opening of Rosewood Hong Kong in Tsim Sha Tsui and St Regis, in Wan Chai (Hong Kong Island). Notable openings include The Hari, Regent Hong Kong and The Fullerton Ocean Park. Visitors will still find their old favourites in the city. The Mandarin Oriental is celebrating its 60th year this year and The Murray has also just celebrated its fifth anniversary.
When are the best times of year to visit?
Hong Kong is a year-round destination, however, my favourites are spring and autumn, when the weather is slightly cooler than the summer months. Beyond the city’s iconic skyline, about 70% of the destination is green space, and these are the perfect seasons for travellers to spend their days hiking and exploring rural villages, before heading back to the urban area for cocktails in a rooftop bar.
Which authentic neighbourhood experiences would you recommend?
Exploring Hong Kong’s neighbourhoods is a must. West Kowloon, for example, is home not only to the West Kowloon Cultural District, but also the historic Jordan and Yau Ma Tei areas where you can find traditional craftsmen keeping the generations-old family businesses alive alongside wonderful markets. To the north of West Kowloon is Sham Shui Po. Traditionally a blue-collar neighbourhood, it is a foodie’s paradise. Here you can find Michelin-recommended family-run restaurants, street food stalls and bakeries serving traditional Cantonese dishes and snacks. It’s also where you’ll find some of the most affordable dim sum in the city.
Across Victoria Harbour on Hong Kong Island is Old Town Central, one of the oldest neighbourhoods in the city. Here, visitors will find towering glass skyscrapers next to centuries-old temples, such as Man Mo. Street art has transformed hidden alleyways into outdoor galleries in this neighbourhood.
What new attractions have opened?
Since 2020, we have seen major cultural openings such as the M+ Museum and Hong Kong Palace Museum in the West Kowloon Cultural District. Historic attractions such as the Hong Kong Museum of Art and the Peak Tram also underwent renovations during the pandemic and are worth checking out.
Now events are back, what should we look out for?
Hong Kong has a diverse events calendar. We recently celebrated the return of Art Basel, Art Central, and the HKWalls street art festival in March, as well as the Hong Kong 7s in April. Coming up we are looking forward to the Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Race in June, the Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival at the end of October, Clockenflap in December and our famous New Year Countdown Celebrations on 31 December.
Keep an eye on our events calendar for the latest updates: discoverhongkong.com/uk/what-s-new/events.html
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