Published by ChinaMNC ยท Haojiang
Shantou's Cultural Tourism Push in Hong Kong: Opportunities for Foreign Founders
A recent Chaoshan cultural tourism promotion in Hong Kong highlights business opportunities for foreign founders in Shantou's tourism and cultural sectors, including potential partnerships and market access.
Shantou's Cultural Tourism Push in Hong Kong: Opportunities for Foreign Founders
On October 27, a cultural tourism promotion event titled "Passionate Chaoshan, Vibrant Life" and "Welcome APEC, Tour Chaoshan" was held in Hong Kong. The event was guided by the Guangdong Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism, hosted by the Chaoshan Tourism Alliance, and organized by the Shantou Municipal Bureau of Culture, Radio, Television, Tourism and Sports, and the Shantou Municipal Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Bureau. It attracted over 100 participants from Hong Kong's tourism authorities, Chaoshan associations, travel industry, media, and community leaders. The event showcased Chaoshan's natural landscapes, history, culture, cuisine, and intangible cultural heritage, aiming to deepen cultural tourism exchanges and industrial cooperation between Chaoshan and Hong Kong.
For foreign founders considering establishing a business in China, particularly in the tourism and cultural sectors, this event signals growing opportunities in Shantou and the broader Chaoshan region. Understanding local government priorities and market dynamics can inform your business strategy.
Key Attendees and Government Support
The event was attended by prominent figures, including Lin Jianyue (Chairman of the Hong Kong Tourism Board), Hu Dingxu (Chairman of the Hong Kong Chaozhou Association), Gao Peixuan (Chairman of the Hong Kong Shantou Association and President of the Hong Kong Chaozhou Chamber of Commerce), Chen Zhenbin (Chairman of the Supervisory Board of the Hong Kong Chaozhou Association), and Zhu Chaorong (Vice Mayor of Shantou). Their presence underscores strong official backing for Chaoshan-Hong Kong tourism cooperation, which can translate into supportive policies for foreign-invested enterprises in related fields.
Business Opportunities in Tourism and Culture
Vice Mayor Zhu Chaorong highlighted the close ties between Hong Kong and Chaoshan, and the region's efforts to build the "Passionate Chaoshan, Vibrant Life" brand, integrating natural scenery, cultural heritage, and cuisine. He invited Hong Kong tourism enterprises to invest in Chaoshan and explore new cooperation opportunities. He also promoted two upcoming events: the 25th Shantou Chenghai International Toys and Gifts Fair and the first Chaoshan Cultural and Creative Tourism Expo, both scheduled for October 29 to November 1 in Shantou. Foreign founders in toys, gifts, cultural creative products, or tourism services may find these expos valuable for networking and market entry.
Lin Jianyue expressed the Hong Kong Tourism Board's continued support for deepening industry connections, promoting visitor exchanges, and jointly developing products. This suggests potential collaboration avenues for foreign businesses looking to tap into both markets.
Gao Peixuan emphasized the brand's role in bringing Chaoshan's landscapes, culture, and cuisine to Hong Kong, and encouraged deeper cooperation based on hometown ties. For foreign founders, this indicates an openness to international partnerships that leverage local cultural assets.
Promotional Highlights and Resources
The event featured a Yingge dance performance and a comprehensive presentation of Chaoshan's tourism resources across three dimensions: mountains and seas, culture, and vibrant life. Key attractions such as Nan'ao Island, Xiaogongyuan Opening Port Area, Guangji Bridge, and Jieyang Ancient City were introduced, along with intangible cultural heritage like Chaoshan Kung Fu Tea, Yingge Dance, and Chao Opera. The organizers expressed interest in developing "multi-stop" itineraries with Hong Kong counterparts, linking Chaoshan's heritage with Hong Kong's international hub. This could benefit foreign founders in travel agencies or hospitality by creating cross-border tourism products.
Additionally, the 2026 APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting will be held in Shenzhen on November 18-19, and Chaoshan tourism has been included in the provincial "Welcome APEC, Tour Guangdong" international promotion framework. Shantou tourism authorities invited Hong Kong industry and residents to visit Chaoshan during APEC. Foreign founders can leverage such international events to gain visibility and attract visitors.
Appointments and Agreements
To expand influence in Hong Kong, the Chaoshan Tourism Alliance appointed Ms. Yang Daishi, Chairman of Emperor Capital Group, as "Chief Recommender of Chaoshan Cultural Tourism in Hong Kong," and Ms. Chen Hai'er, a Chinese soprano, as "Recommender of Chaoshan Cultural Tourism in Hong Kong." Both have long supported Chaoshan culture and will use their influence to promote tourism resources. While not directly business-related, these appointments indicate active marketing efforts that foreign founders can ride on.
A key outcome was the signing of multiple cooperation agreements between Shantou and Hong Kong entities. These include a strategic cooperation agreement between tourism industry associations to build a regular exchange platform; a partnership between Chaoshan catering and Hong Kong enterprises with an annual intended transaction value of up to HKD 30 million, aimed at bringing Chaoshan cuisine and tourism resources to Hong Kong; and agreements between travel agencies for visitor exchange and joint market development. These agreements demonstrate concrete business opportunities in catering, travel, and related services for foreign founders who can position themselves as partners or suppliers.
Promotional Campaigns and Resources
The event launched the "Chaoshan Cultural Tourism Hong Kong Season," offering a three-month initial package of tourism discounts covering dining, accommodation, transportation, sightseeing, shopping, and entertainment. These include ticket discounts, hotel rate reductions, dining discounts, transportation conveniences, shopping subsidies, and entertainment benefits. Additionally, the "Hong Kong and Macao Associations Visit Shantou Handbook" was released, and the "Chaoshan Homeland" mini-program launched a "Greater Chaoshan" section to provide one-stop travel guidance for visitors. Foreign founders in tourism-related businesses can align their offerings with these incentives to attract customers.
Cultural Experience and Networking
A Chaoshan cuisine and intangible cultural heritage experience zone showcased local delicacies such as rice cakes, braised goose, beef balls, and Chaoshan candies, along with handicrafts like hand-hooked flowers and paper-cutting. These displays highlighted the region's cultural appeal, which can be leveraged by foreign founders in food and beverage, retail, or cultural products.
Conclusion
The event concluded with a commitment to deepen cooperation between Chaoshan and Hong Kong's tourism industries, utilizing Hong Kong's international tourism hub status to refine products and services and attract more visitors. For foreign founders, this indicates a welcoming environment for tourism-related investments in Shantou, with government support and growing market demand. However, it is essential to conduct thorough due diligence and consult local experts on regulations and market conditions.
This summary is based on information published by the relevant Chinese government website and is general information, not legal or tax advice.