Industry Outlook
The Travel and Tourism industry is the world's largest industry with forecasting growth of direct contribution to GDP by 3.8% pa, from 2018 – 2028 (Source: Travel & Tourism Impact 2018, WTT ). In Hong Kong, the tourism industry is a major pillar of the economy, the Government of HKSAR has formulated a Tourism Development Blueprint with forward-looking plans on the development by implementing various tourism initiatives to strengthen co-operation and further promote long-term development of tourism industry. In addition, the Travel & Tourism industry has directly employed more than 190,000 jobs in a wide spectrum of sectors, including hotels, restaurants, travel agencies, transportation, theme parks, cruises and MICE. It is expected to rise by 14% pa to 215,000 jobs ( 5.7% of total employment ) in 2028 ( Source: Travel & Tourism Impact 2018, WTT ).
Leisure and Sports is recognized as one of the fastest growing industries in Hong Kong with some 38,500 recreation and sports activities organized by Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) in 2017. The harbourfront enhancement project, the M+ and the Hong Kong Palace Museum in West Kowloon Cultural District (WKCD), the Kai Tak Sports Park Project are some of the Government’s initiatives to enrich the community’s quality of life through promotion and provision of recreational and cultural facilities and activities (Source: The Chief Executive's 2018 Policy Address). In conjunction with the rapid development of residential clubhouses, health centers, spa and leisure facilities in the private sectors, there is an ever increasing demand for professionals and trained specialists in providing leisure and sports services.