During breakout sessions led by HKBIA Chairman Lawrence Chow, participants identified 11 strategic locations within Hong Kong waters that could be developed to support marine leisure activities, ranging from private moorings to commercial marinas.
Hong Kong is taking measured steps to strengthen its marine leisure economy. With support from various government departments, new initiatives and policy updates are being introduced to support steady growth in the city’s boating and yachting sectors.
At the heart of this push is the Hong Kong Boating Industry Association (HKBIA), a dynamic body with over 60 active members and a key member of the International Council of Marine Industry Associations (ICOMIA).
After years of advocacy, HKBIA's efforts are bearing fruit, with the government responding with tangible plans to unlock the potential of Hong Kong's coastal and marine assets.
In a significant move, the HKBIA, in collaboration with the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club (RHKYC), hosted a dedicated workshop on June 19, 2025, at the RHKYC’s Kellet Island premises.
This event brought together stakeholders from across Hong Kong’s marine leisure ecosystem, including water sports providers, yacht operators, marina developers, and tourism businesses.
Key focus areas included:
Streamlining statutory and regulatory frameworks that currently act as barriers to industry growth
Expanding access to safe berthing and vessel operation facilities
Developing a strategic blueprint for marine infrastructure across Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area
During breakout sessions led by HKBIA Chairman Lawrence Chow, participants identified 11 strategic locations within Hong Kong waters that could be developed to support marine leisure activities, ranging from private moorings to commercial marinas.
Hong Kong boasts the longest coastline of any global city, with a staggering 456km surrounding Kowloon and the New Territories, and 722km encircling 263 offshore islands.
These natural advantages, paired with a growing interest in recreational boating since the 1980s, provide fertile ground for industry expansion.
According to HKBIA data:
Hong Kong is home to 12,553 leisure vessels
There are nine marinas and yacht clubs
The region supports over 2,000 private and 1,982 public moorings
This growth reflects a broader trend in the Greater Bay Area, where Hong Kong plays a leading role in shaping the future of leisure boating and maritime tourism in the region.
To maintain momentum and deepen industry-government dialogue, HKBIA has announced a follow-up Boating, Yachting, and Tourism Workshop set for September 2025. The event aims to provide updates, gather further insights, and solidify strategic actions that will shape the future of Hong Kong’s marine economy.
With strong government support, a passionate local industry, and a coastline that rivals the best in the world, Hong Kong is poised to become a leading hub for marine leisure and nautical tourism in Asia. As the marine economy gains traction, opportunities for innovation, investment, and global collaboration continue to grow, setting sail towards a vibrant maritime future.
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