In the first quarter, the number of visitors to Hong Kong increased by 17%. The Hong Kong Tourism Board has taken multiple measures to deepen the "tourism + dining" strategy.

On May 6, Acting Director of the Hong Kong Leisure and Cultural Services Department (Hong Kong Cultural and Tourism Bureau), Mr. Lau Chin, stated at a Legislative Council meeting that the tourism industry in Hong Kong is thriving. In the first quarter of this year, there were 14.31 million visitors to Hong Kong, an increase of 17% compared to the previous year. The Hong Kong Cultural and Tourism Bureau will continue to provide unique tourism experiences for overseas and mainland Chinese tourists through various "tourism +" strategies. Hong Kong is renowned for its fusion of Eastern and Western cuisine, known for its excellent culinary offerings. Whether it's street food, Chinese restaurants, or Michelin-starred establishments, Hong Kong showcases the diversity and innovation of its food. The Hong Kong Cultural and Tourism Bureau continues to promote Hong Kong's unique culinary culture to the world through comprehensive publicity strategies, showcasing Hong Kong's charm as the "food capital". In recent years, Hong Kong's culinary industry has received numerous international accolades. According to the "Michelin Guide Hong Kong Macau 2026", Hong Kong has 7 three-star restaurants, 13 two-star restaurants, 57 one-star restaurants, and 70 Michelin recommended restaurants. Additionally, 6 local restaurants have been included in the Asia's 50 Best Restaurants list, with Hong Kong restaurants claiming the top two spots. Two Hong Kong bars were also listed in the World's 50 Best Bars, with one of them ranking first. These international recognitions attest to the outstanding performance of Hong Kong's culinary industry. To consolidate and enhance Hong Kong's international image as the "food capital", the Hong Kong Tourism Board has been hosting the flagship event "Hong Kong Wine and Dine Festival" annually since 2009, focusing on food and wine. Last year's festival, themed "Extraordinary Pairings World's Best", lasted for four days in Central Harbourfront, extending the opening hours until midnight, featuring over 300 stalls, wines, and cuisines from 31 countries and regions, including premium wine zones and tasting rooms. The event successfully attracted around 163,000 visitors, with a more than 30% increase in daily visitor numbers compared to 2024, and a nearly 40% increase in tasting voucher sales, yielding remarkable results. In January 2026, the Hong Kong Tourism Board collaborated with the Chinese Culinary Institute to launch the "Hong Kong Delicacies" guidebook, featuring over 50 local celebrity chefs recommending 250 favorite restaurants across 18 districts in Hong Kong, covering a wide range of local Chinese and global cuisines, from authentic noodle shops and traditional eateries to top-notch hotel restaurants and Michelin-starred establishments, each with its own unique characteristics. Muslim travelers are an important market with strong spending power, particularly from the Middle East. In promoting Muslim-friendly tourism, the Hong Kong Tourism Board has been implementing a three-pronged strategy of "promotion, education, and certification". In the 2025 Global Muslim Travel Index, Hong Kong ranked third as a Muslim-friendly tourism destination (outside the Organization of Islamic Cooperation) for the first time, also being recognized as the most promising Muslim-friendly tourism destination, acknowledging Hong Kong's achievements in promoting Muslim-friendly tourism. To meet the needs of Muslim travelers, the Hong Kong Cultural and Tourism Bureau works closely with the Hong Kong Islamic Trust Fund and promotes Halal restaurant certification. Additionally, the Bureau collaborates with the internationally renowned Muslim travel promotion company "Crescent Rating" to rate hotels, attractions, and convention venues to enhance Muslim tourism facilities in the industry.