The Zhitong Finance App learned that the “Guangdong Boat Southbound” measure for free travel between Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao yachts officially set sail today, and the first batch of 5 approved mainland yachts successfully arrived in Hong Kong. The Secretary for Transport and Logistics of Hong Kong, Chen Meibao, said that “Guangdong Yacht Sailing South” can drive the development of the cross-border sailing and leisure industry, create a consumption model for high-end visitors, and further turn Hong Kong into a superyacht hub.
Chen Meibao stressed that free yacht travel not only targets the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, but also attracts overseas yachts to spend and travel in Hong Kong. She also pointed out that the Marine Department has commissioned Hong Kong institutions to set up online assessment courses to facilitate overseas skippers to carry out relevant assessments.
Hong Kong Legislative Council Member (Election Commission) Zhu Liwei said that the number of yachts arriving in Hong Kong in the first phase was in line with expectations and was encouraging. It is hoped that the first batch of shipowners will widely publicize the experience and attract more mainland shipowners who are watching to come to Hong Kong. He suggested that in the long run, the government should improve normalized packages and combine outlying island resources to promote “island hopping tours” and exclusive land trips to give full play to the driving role of the yacht economy in Hong Kong's industrial chain.
In response to concerns from the outside world about the lack of direct electricity supply and supply facilities in the anchoring area, Zhu Liwei said that the number of yachts visiting Hong Kong is low at this stage, and Hong Kong's existing marine service providers, supply stations and offshore gas stations around the Aberdeen Typhoon Shelter are sufficient to meet the demand. However, in terms of medium- to long-term development, to promote the normalization of the yacht economy, it is necessary to plan ahead, install additional water supply and charging facilities at the pier near the anchoring area, and even consider building more infrastructure such as yacht clubs.
Zhu Liwei further pointed out that Hong Kong's yacht-related industry chain has strong strength, maintenance services are high-end, and there is sufficient spare parts support. He suggested that the government play a coordinating role, provide policy support and publicity, and guide high-end yachts to spend in Hong Kong.
In terms of tourism product development, Zhu Liwei recommended that the tourism industry cooperate closely with the Tourism and Development Board to use Hong Kong's unique geopark and outlying island resources to launch an “island hopping tour” route covering places such as Tai O, Lamma Island and Cheung Chau to arrange for travelers to explore natural scenery and enjoy authentic cuisine during the day, while at night they go shopping and participate in major events in downtown markets such as Central and Causeway Bay. In addition, drawing on overseas experience, he recommended tailor-made “one-day charter tours” with exclusive guides for yachts, providing seamless land connections, connecting with high-spending groups in all aspects, and injecting new momentum into Hong Kong's economy.
Speaking at the inaugural sailing ceremony, Hong Kong's Acting Financial Secretary, Mr Wong Wai-lun, said that Hong Kong is actively developing into an Asian yacht hub. The market value of the global superyacht industry is expected to reach about HK$350 billion in 2032. He believes Hong Kong has the strength to “share a share” of the industry with its unique advantages.
Wong Wai Lun pointed out that the outline of the national “15th Five-Year Plan” clearly proposes to develop leisure consumption such as cruises and yachts, while Hong Kong's first five-year plan also lists active development of the yacht economy as a key direction. Currently, there are about 6,000 superyachts with a length of 30 meters or more around the world, of which more than 90 have stopped in Hong Kong. In line with the development of the industry, the HKSAR Government is making every effort to promote the construction of 4 new yacht clubs. It is expected to provide more than 1,100 berths and related club facilities, which is believed to greatly enhance and improve the infrastructure of Hong Kong's yacht economy.