Guangzhou and Hong Kong Jockey Club Forge Partnership for Horse-Themed Tourism
The Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC) and the Guangzhou government have formalized a strategic partnership aimed at developing a vibrant horse-themed tourism sector within the Greater Bay Area. This collaboration, solidified through a memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed on Tuesday at the Hong Kong Science Park, encompasses policy support, extensive publicity, innovative tourism products, and comprehensive industry development.
A ‘Two Cities, Three Racecourses’ Strategy
The agreement outlines Guangzhou’s commitment to integrating racing tourism into collaborative cross-border projects. A key element of this initiative is positioning the Conghua Racecourse as a “world-class integrated destination for horse-themed culture, sports, and tourism.” This vision is brought to life through a compelling “Two Cities, Three Racecourses” concept, seamlessly connecting Happy Valley and Sha Tin racecourses in Hong Kong with Conghua, aiming to significantly boost regional tourism.
Boosting Regional Tourism and International Appeal
Beyond enhanced online and offline promotional efforts, the partnership will focus on collaborative video production showcasing the world-class racing experience at Conghua. Large-scale promotional activities are also planned to attract both domestic and international visitors. Guangzhou authorities will actively support the HKJC’s participation in major tourism exhibitions held within the city.
The city envisions launching “one-trip multi-stop” itineraries, linking all three racecourses to market racing tourism as a premier attraction for high-end business travelers. This strategic approach aims to position Guangzhou and Hong Kong as leading destinations for equestrian enthusiasts and luxury tourism.
Cultivating Talent and Future Development
The HKJC will also collaborate with Guangzhou’s media outlets and academic institutions to foster talent development in equine sports and culture. This commitment to education and training will ensure a sustainable future for the industry. This partnership builds upon existing plans to launch international-standard racing at Conghua Racecourse in October 2026, which will feature a diverse range of horse-related events and entertainment experiences.
Key Attendees and MOU Signing
The signing ceremony was attended by prominent officials, including Leung Chun-ying, Vice-Chairman of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, Guangzhou Mayor Sun Zhiyang, and Raymond Tam, Executive Director of the HKJC. The MOU was officially signed by Ronald Chan, Head of Mainland Affairs for the HKJC, and Li Ruolan, Chief Engineer of the Guangzhou Municipal Culture, Radio, Television and Tourism Bureau.
This collaboration represents a significant step towards establishing the Greater Bay Area as a global hub for horse racing and equestrian tourism. For more information on the Hong Kong Jockey Club, visit their official website: Hong Kong Jockey Club.
