Hong Kong is gearing up to co-host the 15th National Games from November 9 to 21, alongside Macau and Guangdong province, with expectations of attracting both local and international visitors. With over 400 events across 34 sports, the games are seen as a major opportunity to boost tourism and showcase the city’s attractions. However, current ticketing arrangements are creating hurdles for travel operators and organized tour groups.

Tickets for the National Games will be sold individually, with a maximum of six tickets per person per event. Each ticket allows a single entry per attendee and requires valid identification, making it difficult for travel companies to package multiple events into a seamless tour experience. The absence of group or block ticket sales limits the flexibility travel operators need to plan and promote multi-event packages, which could reduce the potential influx of tourism during the games.

The first phase of ticket sales begins on August 28, covering 17 events held in Hong Kong. Key competitions include rugby sevens, beach volleyball, men’s handball, and men’s under-22 basketball. Ticket prices are divided into nine tiers, ranging from 30 to 800 yuan (around HK$33 to HK$875, or US$4 to US$111), making events accessible to a wide audience. More than 5 million tickets will be released in total, underscoring the scale and significance of the event.

A real-name registration system has been implemented for all ticket sales to ensure proper identification of attendees. To cater to local demand, organizers have also reserved a portion of tickets for in-person sales at 11 offline points across the city, some of which will extend operating hours until 9pm. Registration requirements vary depending on event location: Hong Kong and Macau events require a Hong Kong identity card, while attendees for events in Guangdong need a home return permit. These measures, while necessary for security and crowd management, add complexity for tour planners arranging cross-city itineraries.

The National Games arrive at a pivotal time for Hong Kong’s tourism sector, which has been steadily recovering following the pandemic. Visitor arrivals reached approximately 24 million in the first half of 2025, a 12 percent increase compared to the same period last year. Organizers hope the games will further stimulate tourism, encouraging visitors to explore Hong Kong’s cultural attractions, neighborhoods, and culinary offerings alongside sporting events.

Travel operators are seeking creative solutions to navigate the ticketing restrictions. Some are exploring flexible itineraries, smaller group packages, and combining game attendance with other local experiences. There are also calls for authorities to consider releasing block tickets for tour groups or introducing multi-event passes, which would allow travel operators to provide more comprehensive and attractive tour packages. Such measures could significantly boost participation and tourism revenue during the games.

The National Games are expected to draw considerable attention from sports fans and tourists alike, making it a landmark event for the region. However, current ticketing policies present a challenge for the travel industry in meeting visitor demand. Balancing security, fairness, and tourism promotion will be crucial to ensure the games benefit both attendees and the broader economy.

Beyond ticket sales, there is a push for initiatives that encourage citywide participation, including cultural programs, fan zones, and community engagement activities. These efforts aim to make the National Games more than just a sporting event, positioning it as a holistic tourism experience that highlights Hong Kong’s vibrancy and resilience.

In summary, while the National Games provide an exciting opportunity to strengthen Hong Kong’s tourism sector and regional profile, ticketing restrictions and logistical hurdles remain significant challenges. Addressing these issues will be key to ensuring that the games deliver a memorable and inclusive experience for visitors while maximizing economic and cultural benefits for the city.