Hong Kong’s tourism policies for the coming year will prioritise attracting high-spending visitors and promoting themed travel in the city, with authorities pressing on with efforts to diversify the sector as well as integrate sports and culture.

Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu said on Wednesday that the “Development Blueprint for Hong Kong’s Tourism Industry 2.0” was expected to be released by the end of the year to set out long-term strategies for the city.

He said the blueprint would focus on promoting culture, sports, ecology and mega-events, with areas to be covered including yacht, panda and horse-racing tourism.

Lee highlighted three ports with expansion potential for the purpose of parking more luxury vessels, namely Aberdeen Typhoon Shelter, the waterfront site in the vicinity of the Hung Hom Station, and the former Lamma Quarry area.

A source said the location on Lamma Island could potentially be developed into a resort area, with plans to conduct market research in the first quarter of 2025.

The chief executive added there were goals to develop panda tourism by taking advantage of the city’s six bears, as well as horse racing.