Hong Kong promotes horse racing to boost high-end tourism: Report
Hong Kong is positioning horse racing as a key element of its tourism strategy to attract affluent visitors. In an interview with the South China Morning Post, Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism Rosanna Law Shuk-pui emphasised that horse racing in the city is more than just a gambling activity. The official said the sport is a well-established part of Hong Kong’s culture and continues to be a major draw for international and mainland visitors.
The races at Happy Valley and Sha Tin remain among the city’s most popular attractions, with many horse owners, their families, and supporters attending. Law highlighted that these visitors tend to be high-spending tourists, contributing to the local economy. She stressed the importance of maintaining the prestige of horse racing to reinforce Hong Kong’s position as a top-tier travel destination.
Economic contributions and growth potential
Law noted the substantial economic impact of horse racing, citing high attendance figures during Hong Kong’s International Race Week in December last year. The event saw 80,691 attendees, the highest since 2018, including a record 6,511 visitors from mainland China—40 percent higher than in 2023.
The government sees horse racing as an opportunity to encourage tourism that extends beyond gambling. Law pointed out that experiencing a race in person is entirely different from watching it remotely, as visitors can immerse themselves in the vibrant atmosphere of the racecourses.
Expanding horse racing tourism
The Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC) has been actively promoting horse racing as part of the city’s tourism appeal. The club recently partnered with China Travel Service to offer tour packages that include visits to racecourses in both Hong Kong and mainland China, aiming to strengthen the sport’s presence in the Greater Bay Area.
Further expansion is planned, with the HKJC’s Conghua racecourse in Guangzhou set to host regular races from 2026. This initiative aligns with the government’s broader efforts to promote Hong Kong as a centre for elite sporting events and luxury tourism experiences.
According to its latest annual report, the HKJC allocated 93 percent of its operating surplus, equivalent to HKD2.45 billion (€290.6 million), to the Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust in 2023-24. The trust approved a record HKD10.2 billion (€1.2 billion) in funding for 173 charitable and community projects during the financial year.
Future developments in tourism
Hong Kong’s tourism strategy continues to evolve, with horse racing playing a central role alongside other initiatives such as yacht and eco-tourism. Last year, the government also considered lowering the age limit for racecourse entry to make the sport more accessible to families, aligning with international practices in countries like the UK, Australia, and Japan.
