Pragmatic planning can help unlock Hong Kong villages’ potential
New licensing criteria for rural holiday camps and village guest houses are a step towards developing immersive tourism
Developing immersive rural tourism has been a priority task for Hong Kong’s authorities since Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu included the idea in his 2025 policy address. Welcome moves have been made to help the city position itself as a destination for visitors seeking experiences beyond shopping centres and luxury goods.
The policy shifts should help unlock the economic and cultural potential of the city’s historic villages. There will be challenges balancing an influx of visitors with protecting sites of natural and cultural importance. A pragmatic approach to licensing can help ensure safety and preserve the integrity of rural areas.
The Office of the Licensing Authority has said it would accept alternative fire safety measures. Rigid requirements about emergency vehicular access and fire hydrants could be relaxed, for example, if village houses provided dry-powder extinguishers and battery-operated smoke detectors.
It is important that prospective operators are not delayed by lengthy approvals. A one-stop, cross-departmental mechanism with clear criteria would help.
Success and sustainable growth of such ventures could also depend on empowering villagers. Many New Territories villagers are connected to the heritage visitors seek but lack the technical skills or capital needed to update properties for hosting tourists. Authorities should explore ways to provide support.