Rejuvenating city's natural treasures

In terms of collaboration within the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, experts highlight disparity in offerings as the key. They believe the feasibility of developing cross-border itineraries mainly lies in islands between Zhuhai and Hong Kong, as well as Shenzhen's Dapeng peninsula and Hong Kong's Sai Kung area.

Given the mobility of yachts and the purchasing power of their owners, both Yiu and Gao hope for regulatory breakthroughs to enable Hong Kong and Macao yachts to freely visit mainland Greater Bay Area cities.

The experts reckon that the popularity of Hong Kong islands has significant potential for enhancement among residents, as well as mainland and foreign tourists. Optimistic about the growth of the international market, Chen advises the city to increase exposure on major social media platforms and leverage the nation's extension of visa-free transit for foreign nationals, to jointly launch island travel products with mainland cities.

Lin said she hopes the proposed development initiatives will not make the islands overly commercialized. She believes that making only slight enhancements to facilities can significantly improve travelers' experience — like installing fencing at campsites to prevent incursion by wild boar.