About 120 residents took up an invitation by authorities to attend, with dozens chosen to speak about what concerned them. Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism Kevin Yeung Yun-hung was among the top officials attending.
A woman surnamed Cheung proposed recruiting volunteer tourism ambassadors to assist visitors with activities such as taking photos.
“Not everyone is skilled at taking selfies,” she told Lee. “They can be stationed in places like the Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade, offering help to our visitors.
“When [tourists] share these pictures, it can promote Hong Kong on social media, as well as tell stories of the kindness of our people too.”
Yau Wing-kong, a former Tai Po district councillor, suggested transforming the Lam Tsuen River into an attraction comparable to the Seine.
“The Seine River was featured prominently in the Paris Games opening,” he said. “Similar effects could be achieved quickly with places like the Lam Tsuen River and the Hong Kong Geopark.”
Chau Ping-him of the Business and Professionals Alliance for Hong Kong said the city needed a new mascot to elevate local tourism, suggesting it could be featured on products sold at various tourist attractions.
A resident from the outlying islands proposed using the beloved local cartoon character McDull as a theme for events aimed at attracting tourists.
“The recent Doraemon drone show drew large crowds,” she said. “I think the government could follow suit with McDull-themed drone shows, fireworks displays and even themed restaurants.”
Lee assured attendees the government would prioritise the integration of culture, sports and tourism.
He noted the birth of panda twins in Hong Kong and the anticipated arrival of another pair from Sichuan province, emphasising the importance of leveraging such events for promoting the city.
Lee praised Hongkongers for fully understanding the unique characteristics of their communities and being aware that they were key players in development.
“Hong Kong people are smart, you have a lot of great ideas,” he said. “Tell us about your projects, and we will do our best to support them.”