Guangxi, HK collaborate to attract ASEAN tourists

The 2025 gala of Hong Kong people in Guangxi took place in Nanning, Guangxi, on March 14, drawing nearly 200 participants. The event brought together Hong Kong representatives and distinguished guests from Guangxi's political and business sectors to explore collaborative opportunities in culture and tourism, with a shared goal of attracting visitors from ASEAN countries.

The gala showcased Hong Kong's vibrant culture through themed photo spots and street food, transporting attendees to the bustling atmosphere of a traditional Hong Kong tea stall. The evening banquet was enlivened with performances of Guangxi's traditional folk songs.

Wong Cheuk Yin, director of Guangxi Liaison Unit, the government of the HKSAR, highlighted that Hong Kong will host over 90 diverse events in the first half of this year. He hoped that tourists from Guangxi would visit Hong Kong for immersive experiences, particularly the panda-themed tourism project.

A seasoned Hong Kong hotelier based in Guangxi shared her insights, noting the significant draw of the annual Guangxi Sanyuesan Festival. "The festival's grand celebrations consistently attract many domestic and international visitors," she remarked. Having organized educational tours for youths from Malaysia and Singapore during China's peak travel seasons, she is now fielding a surge in hotel reservations and tour inquiries from Southeast Asia ahead of the upcoming Sanyuesan Festival.

She is optimistic about the growing appeal of Guangxi's Sanyuesan Festival in the Southeast Asian market. With Nanning's convenient access to Hong Kong and its more affordable accommodation and dining options, she foresees a synergistic effect that enables Guangxi and Hong Kong to captivate ASEAN tourists. This partnership offers a seamless cultural journey, allowing Southeast Asian visitors to delve into Guangxi's rich ethnic heritage before continuing their adventure in the cosmopolitan allure of Hong Kong.