During the ongoing "two sessions," the annual gathering of Shenzhen's political advisors and lawmakers, a political advisor from Hong Kong suggested on February 25 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).

The 34th ITTF-ATTU Asian Cup attracts a full house during the five-day event at the Shenzhen Universiade Center in Longgang, Shenzhen. Liu Xudong

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. Notably, this event will feature track and field marathons and road cycling events in an innovative cross-border format.

The rise of the sports economy has propelled sports events and tourism to the forefront of urban economic development. Chu emphasized that the staging of the 15th National Games not only signifies a significant sporting event but also presents a critical opportunity to foster synchronized development between Shenzhen and Hong Kong while jointly establishing a leading sports hub.

To further unlock the tourism potential of the GBA, Chu highlighted the concept of "one journey, multiple stops." Leveraging the strategic locations of Shenzhen and Hong Kong, efforts can be directed towards organizing 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.

Tenniel Chu, vice chairman of Mission Hills Group and political advisor from Hong Kong, poses for a photo during the Fifth Session of the Seventh Shenzhen Municipal Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference Monday. Courtesy of the interviewee

Both Shenzhen and Hong Kong's governments have introduced specialized subsidy programs to support major sports competitions. Chu recommended separately soliciting cross-border event subsidies in each region 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 in the proposal to city authorities.

Through strategic initiatives like establishing a Sports Tourism Year and hosting engaging community sports events, Shenzhen and Hong Kong are set to offer visitors a diverse experience, increasing participation and amplifying event exposure, Chu said.

As anticipation grows for the Sports Tourism Year, a series of immersive events like sports carnivals and cultural festivals could serve as platforms for showcasing the rich blend of sports and cultural heritage from both regions, the advisor said.