In a proposal to the ongoing annual session of Shenzhen’s political advisory body Monday, a political advisor from Hong Kong suggested that Shenzhen and Hong Kong should strengthen their collaboration to stimulate the growth of sports tourism in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA).

Tenniel Chu, vice chairman of Mission Hills Group, put forth this initiative against the backdrop of the upcoming 15th National Games, scheduled to be jointly hosted by Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macao from Nov. 9 to 21.

Chu emphasized that the Games not only signify a major sporting event but also present a critical opportunity to foster synchronized development between Shenzhen and Hong Kong while jointly establishing a leading sports hub.

Longhua Culture and Sports Center. File photo

To further unlock the tourism potential of the GBA, Chu suggests leveraging the strategic locations of Shenzhen and Hong Kong, calling for efforts to organize high-profile cross-border sports events that act as catalysts for enhancing the region’s tourism sector.

Chu noted that using the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge as a venue for cycling events and implementing innovative management models could streamline event logistics and enhance the overall experience for participants.

Both Shenzhen and Hong Kong’s governments have introduced specialized subsidy programs to support major sports competitions. Chu recommended separate solicitation of cross-border event subsidies in each city to optimize outcomes.

Multi-stop competitions in the GBA across various sports such as badminton, swimming, dragon boat races, and sailing will enrich the sports tourism landscape of the area, he said.

Through strategic initiatives like establishing a Sports Tourism Year and hosting engaging community sports events, Shenzhen and Hong Kong can offer visitors a diverse experience, Chu said.