Policy Address 2026: Hong Kong to relax licensing rules for island guesthouses, develop ‘ticket stub economy’
Hong Kong will relax its licensing system for small guesthouses on the territory’s outlying islands, leader John Lee has announced in his annual Policy Address speech. The chief executive said on Wednesday that authorities will waive deed-of-mutual-covenant restrictions prohibiting certain premises from being used as guesthouses or hotels when approving licence applications for island properties…
In his annual Policy Address speech, Hong Kong's leader John Lee announced plans to relax licensing rules for small guesthouses on the territory's outlying islands. Cheung Chau, one of the affected areas, will see deed-of-mutual-covenant restrictions lifted for guesthouses and hotels on properties of three storeys or less when applying for a license. This move aims to boost tourism, with industry representatives expecting a 50% increase in guesthouses on outlying islands, according to local media.
Additionally, Lee introduced the concept of a "ticket stub economy," offering discounts to visitors attending major events in Hong Kong. The Hong Kong Tourism Board will connect event organizers with retail, catering, and other tourism-related businesses to create a consumption chain from event venues to the community.
Other initiatives, such as developing the "yacht economy" for high-net-worth boat owners, promoting Hong Kong as a "Muslim-friendly" destination, and expanding a tour guide licensing program, will continue. The Immigration Department will launch a pilot scheme using artificial intelligence and facial recognition technology at the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Hong Kong Port in December to expedite clearance for drivers and passengers of cross-boundary private vehicles.
The nightlife district of Lan Kwai Fong will also see renewed works beginning from the following month.
Written by urgent.news from Hong Kong Free Press's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
