Airport City in the Greater Bay Area: A New Era for Yacht Tourism and Art

Investment in Hong Kong's Airport City

Hong Kong’s Airport Authority will issue up to HK$10 billion (US$1.3 billion) worth of bonds early next year for a project billed as a landmark of Asia and a new engine of economic growth for the Greater Bay Area.

Project Features and Investments

Fred Lam Tin-fuk, the authority’s chairman, indicated on Thursday that the government is considering reserving a site within the Airport City project’s expansion, equivalent to the distance between Harbour City shopping centre and K11 Musea in Tsim Sha Tsui. “We are not just a bus stop,” Lam said. “We will drive tourists into the city through the airport.”

• Prominent features in the project include:
• A 600-berth yacht club
• A seafood market rivaling Tokyo’s Tsukiji Fish Market
• Hong Kong’s first purpose-built large-scale storage facility for artwork
• About 8,000 driverless autonomous vehicles

Lam additionally noted that HK$8-10 billion in bonds would facilitate the project, anticipated to cost tens of billions over various stages, with completion expected between 2026 and 2031.

Transforming Hong Kong into a Tourist Hotspot

“HKIA is a leading international aviation hub in Asia. With the three-runway system fully operating by year-end, we can advance with innovative projects across different market segments,” Lam stated.

The extensive development blueprint will prioritize the enhancement of Hong Kong’s unique advantages while generating synergy among various projects to reshape the Airport City into a new landmark of Asia.

Lam highlighted that the expanded Airport City would evolve into a distinct tourist hotspot for visitors from the Greater Bay Area and worldwide, aiming to inject growth into Hong Kong's economy.

• Key elements of the expansion include:
• A major increase in commercial activity
• Popular culture integration
• Art trading and leisure activities

Originally outlined in 2019, the blueprint combines the airport´s core functions with related business segments, encompassing new hotels, three grade A office towers, and 11 SKIES, an integrated retail and dining complex expected to launch in phases starting from late 2025.

New initiatives will support high-end commercial and tourist activities, including an ecosystem for the arts sector, Phase 2 of AsiaWorld-Expo, a marina with associated facilities, and a food market for imported fresh produce.

The Airport City aims to host Hong Kong's largest marina, comprising around 600 berths, transforming it into an unmatched yacht tourism destination in Asia.

This development represents a significant step towards enhancing Hong Kong's status as an international tourism hub, especially in the Greater Bay Area.

• A new “sportainment” complex combining indoor and outdoor sports
• The “Jet Fresh Market,” featuring the best high-end fresh food