Hong Kong Leverages National Games to Attract The Sports Tourists with their Package Tours, Boosting Local Economy Growth Through Golf and Rugby Sevens
Published on
November 8, 2025
Hong Kong is leveraging the National Games to boost its sports tourism industry. The event, which marks the first time Hong Kong hosts the National Games alongside Guangdong and Macau, has sparked a surge in tourism interest among mainland Chinese visitors. Hong Kong travel agencies have designed special package tours, focusing on two of the most popular sports at the Games: golf and rugby sevens. These tours will satisfy the growing demand for sports tourism and represent a great opportunity to combine active spectator sports with leisure travel.
Besides being an attractive spot for different kinds of tourism, the sports tourism packages have drawn greater attention to what Hong Kong offers. There is a scope for visitors to enjoy world-class sports events like rugby, golf, track cycling, and triathlons, added to which they can undertake locally relevant activities: exploring the city’s vibrant cultural scene, dining, or shopping. This strategic emphasis on sports tourism aims to further diversify Hong Kong’s tourism appeal, integrating it into a broader network of international sporting events that attract both tourists and athletes.
Golf and Rugby Sevens: Highlighting Popular Sports in Tourism Packages
Golf and rugby sevens have been identified as two of the most popular events generating high demand in sports tourism packages. Golf, in particular, holds a strong appeal in China, and the prestige of Hong Kong’s golf courses, such as the Hong Kong Golf Club, makes it a top destination for golf enthusiasts. Tourists seeking a premium sports tourism experience can book packages that combine spectating at major events like rugby sevens with access to Hong Kong’s renowned golf courses.
Rugby sevens also enjoys strong popularity in mainland China, with a mature fan base and a growing interest in the sport. The rugby sevens tournament at the National Games is expected to draw large crowds and is a major attraction for sports tourists looking for a combination of thrilling action and cultural experiences in Hong Kong.
These sports-focused tourism packages not only cater to passionate sports fans but also create a unique tourism product that promotes Hong Kong’s sports culture to a global audience, further solidifying the city’s reputation as a leading sports tourism destination in Asia.
Tourism Benefits: Economic Impact of Sports Events on Hong Kong
The surge in sports tourism due to the National Games is expected to have a positive economic impact across several sectors in Hong Kong. As tourists flock to the city for the sports events, there will be a rise in hotel bookings, transportation demand, and spending in local businesses. This increased tourist spending will benefit a wide array of industries, from restaurants and tour operators to retail outlets and event services.
Fanny Yeung Shuk-fun, Executive Director of the Travel Industry Council, emphasized that events like the National Games are expected to significantly benefit the food and beverage sector, alongside hotels, which will see an uptick in bookings. The limited-edition souvenirs associated with the Games will further contribute to the retail sector, attracting sports fans and collectors looking for unique memorabilia.
In the long run, sports tourism in Hong Kong has the potential to drive sustained growth in the city’s tourism industry by positioning it as a key destination for global sports events. Hong Kong’s ability to host major events and cultural festivals will not only attract spectators but also contribute to the city’s reputation as a top international event venue.
Challenges for Sports Tourism: Independent Travelers and High Accommodation Costs
While the influx of sports tourists is expected to provide an economic boost, challenges remain in terms of tour group bookings. Simon Lee Siu-po, an economist, pointed out that many mainland tourists might prefer to book independently due to the requirement for spectators to register their names when purchasing tickets. This registration process makes it difficult for travel agencies to organize large-scale tours unless they have already secured clients in advance.
Moreover, the high cost of accommodation in Hong Kong could limit the potential economic boost from the event. Many mainland visitors may choose not to stay overnight in Hong Kong due to expensive hotels, opting instead to return home after attending the events. This could reduce the overall tourism revenue generated from the National Games, as overnight stays typically result in higher spending on accommodation and local services.
Looking Ahead: A Growing Sports Tourism Sector in Hong Kong
Despite these challenges, sports tourism in Hong Kong is expected to continue growing as the city becomes more integrated into the global sports events calendar. Beyond the National Games, Hong Kong has the potential to attract major international sporting events such as Tennis, Formula E, and Marathons, all of which contribute to the city’s tourism economy. The combination of sporting excellence, cultural richness, and modern infrastructure makes Hong Kong an ideal location for sports tourism.
Looking forward, Hong Kong tourism officials are optimistic that sports tourism will play an even greater role in diversifying the city’s tourism offerings. MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) tourism, which is closely linked to sports tourism, is also expected to see increased interest, with more business professionals traveling to the city to attend sports events and related gatherings. This synergy between leisure and business tourism will help ensure the city’s long-term competitiveness in the global tourism market.
Hong Kong’s Evolving Sports Tourism Landscape
The National Games and the increasing focus on sports tourism in Hong Kong signal the vibrant role that this city plays within the global tourism market. Considering the increasing interest from Mainland China tourists and sports enthusiasts alike, Hong Kong will position itself as a leading sports tourism destination in Asia. The collaboration of local authorities, tour operators, and sports organizations will further facilitate economic growth to ensure that sports tourism is one of the pillars in which the future success of the city is anchored. Although high accommodation costs and self-booked trips may continue to affect some elements of the tourism economy, the future remains bright for sports tourism in Hong Kong as it innovates, expands offerings, and showcases its hospitality to the world.
