Opinion | Tap Hong Kong cinema and horse racing to drive cultural wave

To truly revive tourism in Hong Kong, we must look beyond our stunning skyline and one-off events. It’s imperative that we shift our focus towards crafting authentic “Hong Kong” experiences which encapsulate the essence of our city.

The recently released blueprint for Hong Kong’s tourism industry sets the stage for the government’s commitment to building a brand of diverse cultural offerings, including traditional heritage, pop culture, performing arts and more. This is a vital step in the right direction.

One of the most successful cultural brands today is hallyu, or the “Korean wave”, which offers invaluable lessons for Hong Kong. As of 2023, the global number of hallyu fans reached an impressive 225 million, according to a Korea Foundation report. A 2023 survey revealed that more than 30 per cent of respondents said hallyu content was the biggest reason they travelled to Korea. This success story has expanded from audiovisual content to encompass Korean food, fashion, beauty and lifestyle. In contrast, Hong Kong is rich in underutilised cultural treasures just waiting to be explored by tourists.

Our cinematic heritage is one of our strongest assets and deserves greater promotion. During the golden age of Hong Kong cinema in the 1980s and 90s, the city was the second-largest film exporter after the United States. Globally recognised figures such as Jackie Chan, Tony Leung Chiu-wai, Wong Kar-wai and Tsui Hark have left an indelible mark on the film industry.

Most recently, the film The Last Dance became the highest-grossing local film in Hong Kong’s history, amassing more than HK$142 million (US$18.2 million) by the end of 2024. Revealing the intricacies behind Taoist funeral rituals, it offers global audiences a unique glimpse of Hong Kong’s intangible heritage, an aspect of our culture that merits more attention and discussion.

South Korea’s proactive strategy in exporting its films serves as a valuable model for Hong Kong’s ambitions. With 35 cultural centres established globally, it has effectively positioned itself as a leader in promoting its vibrant cultural content. Notably, the Korean Cultural Centre in PMQ has curated 30 Korean films for free public screenings since 2022, fostering local appreciation.