Hong Kong Takes Yacht Tourism Ambitions to Monaco

Photos kindly provided by HKTB

Hong Kong used its debut at the Monaco Yacht Show, held from 23 to 26 September, to strengthen its positioning as a destination for yacht tourism, marine business and luxury events, while presenting the city as a gateway to opportunities across the Greater Bay Area, mainland China and the wider Asian market.

The presence at the world's leading superyacht exhibition formed part of the three-year Strategic City Partnership between the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) and Informa Markets. It was also the first stop in a global promotional roadshow designed to connect Hong Kong with yacht owners, marine industry leaders, luxury brands, investors and high-net-worth travellers.

At the show, the HKTB joined the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Brussels, Airport Authority Hong Kong and AsiaWorld-Expo to present a combined proposition built around tourism, aviation, business events and international trade.

For Anthony Lau, Executive Director of the Hong Kong Tourism Board, the Monaco Yacht Show offered a particularly relevant international audience.

"The Monaco Yacht Show brings together the world's most influential players in the yachting industry and provides an ideal platform for Hong Kong to tell its story to a highly valuable international audience. Beyond being a world-class destination, Hong Kong serves as a super-connector and super value-adder, uniquely linking global businesses, investors and brands with opportunities across the Greater Bay Area, the Chinese Mainland and Asia.

With a vibrant marine ecosystem, world-class infrastructure and a growing portfolio of international marine and sailing events, Hong Kong is well positioned to become a leading hub for yacht tourism and marine business in Asia. Through our partnership with Informa Markets and the launch of TFOC, we aim to create new opportunities for luxury tourism, business exchange and investment in the region."

The Monaco appearance is part of a wider programme under the Strategic City Partnership. The HKTB is scheduled to participate in a series of international luxury and lifestyle exhibitions, including the Palm Beach International Boat Show, Basel Jewellery & Watch Fair, Top Marques Monaco and the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show. The partnership is intended to raise Hong Kong's profile among the global luxury, marine and lifestyle sectors while supporting the development of the Festival of Connoisseurs (TFOC).
 

The proposition being presented to the marine industry rests partly on Hong Kong's geographical position and infrastructure. The city has one of the world's natural harbours and extensive international air connectivity, providing access to the Greater Bay Area and wider Asian markets. According to the release, recent measures to streamline yacht entry procedures, together with marina developments and investment in marine infrastructure, are creating additional opportunities for yacht owners, operators and marine-related businesses.

Hong Kong is also seeking to build a year-round calendar around the marine sector. International events including SailGP and the Dragon World Championship are adding to the city's portfolio of sailing and marine activities, alongside its broader offer for business networking and premium lifestyle experiences.

The strategy extends beyond yachting itself. In November, Hong Kong will host the inaugural Festival of Connoisseurs, organised by Informa Markets and supported by the HKTB and other strategic partners. Taking place from 4 to 6 November at AsiaWorld-Expo, the event will use a "city-as-your-showroom" concept, extending the experience beyond a conventional exhibition venue and into locations across Hong Kong.

The first edition will bring together nine curated themes spanning yachting, mobility, art, travel, wellness and gastronomy, among others. The organisers intend for the event to develop into a citywide flagship festival from 2027, positioning Hong Kong as a meeting point for international business, culture and luxury lifestyle.

For Informa Markets, the initiative reflects a broader opportunity to develop new flagship experiences in the Asian market, with Hong Kong presented as a potential platform connecting the global marine and luxury industries with the region's growing wealth markets.

The Monaco Yacht Show therefore served as more than a destination promotion exercise. It provided the first international showcase for a wider strategy linking yacht tourism, marine infrastructure, luxury business events and the development of new lifestyle platforms in Hong Kong.
 

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