The Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC) demonstrated strong support for the 2026 Hong Kong Tourism Development Forum by hosting a closing banquet at Happy Valley Racecourse on 10 June 2026. On the same evening, the inaugural Tourism Cup was staged in collaboration with its strategic partner, China Tourism Group (CTG), to further promote horse racing tourism and reinforce Hong Kong’s position as an international tourism hub.

The Forum, jointly organised by CTG, the Travel Industry Council of Hong Kong and the Federation of Hong Kong Hotel Owners, was held under the theme “Tech‑Empowerment · Win‑win Collaboration – Opening a New Chapter in Tourism Development” and attracted over 500 participants from Hong Kong, the Mainland and overseas.

HKJC Chairman The Hon Martin Liao highlighted that horse racing is one of Hong Kong’s most iconic experiences and a distinctive tourism attraction. Since deepening cooperation with CTG last year, nearly 11,000 high‑end visitors have been brought to the racecourses. This season has recorded 350,000 tourist attendances, representing a 94% year‑on‑year increase, underscoring the growing appeal of racing tourism.

In addition, HKJC has been actively collaborating with the Federation and our member hotels in developing and promoting integrated horse‑racing tourism products, including curated racecourse experiences and hospitality packages. Such initiatives further enhance visitor experience, lengthen stay, and create high‑value opportunities for the hotel sector.

CTG Vice General Manager Mr Jian Yi noted that the partnership between CTG and HKJC has expanded across youth exchange programmes, co‑branded cultural products, participation in international travel expos and curated tourism itineraries. Such cross‑sector collaboration demonstrates how resource integration and strategic alignment can drive innovation in tourism development.

Since signing a Memorandum of Understanding in 2025, HKJC and CTG have strengthened cooperation in tourism, sports, culture and youth exchange, including incorporating Happy Valley, Sha Tin and Conghua racecourses into travel itineraries and developing signature racing tourism experiences for the Greater Bay Area market.

The Federation welcomes these cross‑industry initiatives, which help attract high‑value visitor segments and enhance Hong Kong’s competitiveness as a world‑class tourism destination.