Opinion | Hong Kong’s luxury yacht tourism needs wind in its sails

Hong Kong’s identity is inseparable from the sea. The image of the most famous city in the whole world is that of the port, overlooked by skyscrapers. But Hong Kong also boasts an extensive coastline, numerous islands and a rich maritime history.

These assets, combined with all that a cosmopolitan city has to offer, should make it an attractive destination for luxury yachts. But this form of peak tourism is woefully underdeveloped.

Now, as Hong Kong aims to become a premier tourist destination, seeking innovative ways to attract visitors while making the most of its natural resources, the development of “yacht tourism” is on the agenda.

Chief executive John Lee Ka-chiu announced plans in his policy address to expand three locations to provide berths for luxury ships: Aberdeen Typhoon Shelter, the former Lamma quarry site and the waterfront near Hung Hom station.

There is an urgent need to create more berths for such boats. There is a chronic shortage, without enough even for locally registered vessels.

The number of motor yachts, cruisers and open cruisers registered in the city increased from 10,296 in 2019 to 12,553 at the end of last year.