Hong Kong’s tourism minister, Rosanna Law Shuk-pui, highlighted the popularity of horse racing in attracting high-spending visitors from mainland China and abroad. She emphasized that the races in Happy Valley and Sha Tin were a signature attraction for the city, appealing to horse owners, their families, and supporters.
Law referenced Deng Xiaoping’s famous promise that “horse racing will continue and dancers will continue to sway” in Hong Kong as a symbol of normalcy following the city’s return to Chinese rule in 1997. She stressed the economic potential of the races, noting that they attract high-end spenders who contribute significantly to the local economy.
Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu’s policy address in October last year outlined plans to develop tourism in Hong Kong focusing on local experiences, including yachts, pandas, and horse racing. Law also mentioned the city’s interest in cultural and environmentally focused tourism as part of its tourism development strategy.
