Hong Kong residents present their arguments for promoting tourism in a rare forum with the city's leader

About 120 residents responded to an invitation from authorities and dozens of them spoke about their concerns. Senior officials who attended included Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Kevin Yeung Yun-hung.

A woman surnamed Cheung suggested recruiting volunteer tourism ambassadors to help visitors with activities such as taking photographs.

“Not everyone is good at taking selfies,” she told Lee. “They can be stationed at places like Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade and offer assistance to our visitors.”

“When [tourists] By sharing these images, you can promote Hong Kong on social media while telling stories about the kindness of our people.”

Yau Wing-kong, a former Tai Po district councillor, proposed transforming the Lam Tsuen River into an attraction comparable to the Seine.

“The Seine was a prominent feature at the opening of the Paris Games,” he said. “Similar effects could quickly be achieved with places like the Lam Tsuen River and the Hong Kong Geopark.”

Chau Ping-him of the Business and Professionals Alliance for Hong Kong said the city needed a new mascot to boost local tourism and suggested it could be featured on products sold at various tourist attractions.

A resident of one of the offshore islands suggested using the popular local cartoon character McDull as a theme for events to attract tourists.

“The recent Doraemon drone show attracted huge crowds,” she said. “I think the government could follow suit and host McDull-themed drone shows, fireworks and even theme restaurants.”

Lee assured participants that the government would prioritize the integration of culture, sports and tourism.

He mentioned the birth of panda twins in Hong Kong and the expected arrival of another pair from Sichuan province, stressing the importance of using such events to promote the city.

Lee praised Hong Kong citizens for fully understanding the unique characteristics of their communities and recognizing that they play a key role in development.

“Hong Kong people are smart, they have a lot of great ideas,” he said. “Tell us about your projects and we will do our best to support them.”