Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) made its first appearance at the Monaco Yacht Show, held 23 to 26 September, as part of a three-year Strategic City Partnership with Informa Markets aimed at positioning Hong Kong as Asia’s leading hub for yacht tourism and marine business.
The Monaco Yacht Show marked the first stop of a global promotional roadshow under the partnership, which will also include HKTB participation at the Palm Beach International Boat Show, Basilia Jewellery & Watch Fair, Top Marques Monaco and the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show.
Anthony Lau, HKTB executive director, said the show gave Hong Kong access to an influential 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,” Lau said.
“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.”
Delegation showcased combined tourism and marine strengths
At Monaco, HKTB joined the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Brussels, Airport Authority Hong Kong and AsiaWorld-Expo to form a joint delegation, presenting Hong Kong’s tourism, aviation, business events and trade capabilities together.
Informa Markets pointed to Hong Kong’s natural harbour, international air connectivity and proximity to Greater Bay Area wealth markets as key advantages, alongside recent streamlining of yacht entry procedures and ongoing marina infrastructure investment. The city’s growing calendar of marine and sailing events, including SailGP and the Dragon World Championship, was cited as further support for its positioning as a marine tourism destination.
Festival of Connoisseurs debuts in Hong Kong in November
The partnership also introduced international industry contacts to The Festival of Connoisseurs (TFOC), a new luxury lifestyle and business platform debuting in Hong Kong from 4 to 6 November 2026 at AsiaWorld-Expo. The event uses a “city-as-your-showroom” concept, transforming venues across Hong Kong into showcases spanning nine themes including yachting, mobility, art, travel, wellness and gastronomy. TFOC is planned to expand into a citywide flagship festival from 2027.
