Key facts
- Hong Kong will host the Apec Finance Ministers’ Meeting in October 2026.
- Shenzhen will host the Apec Economic Leaders’ Week in November.
- Hong Kong aims to attract "high-value" visitors and boost its tourism sector.
- The city has allocated HK$1.66 billion for tourism revival in 2026, focusing on foreign business travelers and MICE events.
- China's Apec theme for 2026 is "Building an Asia-Pacific Community to Prosper Together" with priorities of openness, innovation, and cooperation.
Hong Kong is set to host the Apec Finance Ministers’ Meeting in October 2026, an event expected to draw around 500 international visitors. This meeting, along with Shenzhen's hosting of the Apec Economic Leaders’ Week next month, presents a significant opportunity for Hong Kong to leverage its proximity to mainland China's Apec initiatives and bolster its tourism industry.
The city is refining its tourism strategy to focus on "high-value" visitors, those who stay longer and contribute more economically through accommodations and dining. This approach aims to diversify the tourist mix, as per capita spending from mainland travelers has been declining despite rising numbers. Hong Kong plans to strengthen promotion in Southeast Asia, the Middle East, India, Russia, and expand into European Union markets.
With an allocation of HK$1.66 billion for tourism revival in 2026, a 35% increase from 2025, three-quarters of the budget will be dedicated to attracting foreign travelers, particularly through boosting the meetings, incentives, conventions, and exhibitions (MICE) sector. MICE tourists are noted for higher spending, often sponsored by their companies or event organizers.
China's overarching theme for its Apec year, "Building an Asia-Pacific Community to Prosper Together," emphasizes openness, innovation, and cooperation. Hong Kong aims to align with these priorities, showcasing its status as an international financial center and exploring opportunities like the Northern Metropolis development as an integrated economic engine with Shenzhen. The city also plans to promote its international mediation role and leverage its recognized law enforcement agencies for training opportunities.