Policy Address: Victoria Park tennis court redevelopment work

In terms of culture, sports and tourism, the Five-Year Plan proposes raising the economic value of local tourism, arts and creative industries. The Policy Address proposes studying the redevelopment of the Victoria Park main tennis court and its ancillary facilities into an all-weather multi-purpose venue.

The Victoria Park Centre Court, which has a history of over 40 years, features a main arena with approximately 3,600 spectator seats. The new Policy Address reveals that studies are underway to redevelop it into an all-weather multi-purpose venue to host higher-level sports events and performances, promoting "sports + mega events." Sources say design, tendering and construction work are expected to be completed in four to five years at the earliest, after which spectator seats will increase to at least over 7,000.

Meanwhile, the government will continue to promote "film + tourism" and "industrial brand + tourism."

John Lee has expressed his hope to deepen the collaborative development of culture, sports, and tourism. They include developing 'multi-stop' itineraries, launch relevant tourism products and discounts with airlines, strengthen overseas promotion, and promote 'ticket-stub economy' to attract travelers to extend their stay in Hong Kong and increase consumption.

The Five-Year Plan also sets indicators for culture, sports, and tourism. By 2030, the value of the tourism industry is targeted to grow by 40% to 50%, and the proportion of non-mainland overnight visitors is to increase to 40%. For concerts and performances held at the Kai Tak Sports Park, the proportion of non-local artists must be raised to 60%, and more major events will aim to be held in Hong Kong through the "M" Mark brand scheme.

In terms of sports, the government expects resources injected into sports development to increase by 20% over the next five years, with a target to increase the number of full-time elite athletes by 20% within five years. In culture, the target is to increase the added value of local arts and cultural creative industries to 170 billion Hong Kong dollars by 2030.