Tourism is shifting from mass travel to independent, selective experiences, with travelers seeking to bypass metropolitan areas. Hong Kong’s islands and UNESCO Global Geopark provide ideal opportunities for leisurely exploration, writes Li Bingcun in Hong Kong.

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government's December tourism development blueprint proposed island travel to boost eco-tourism, and pledged tourism integration with culture, sports and food festivals, to accelerate the transformation.

The tourism authority outlined specific measures such as tailored travel itineraries, improved infrastructure, integrated resort projects, pier renovations, and support for yacht tours.

Hong Kong's untapped tourism assets of 263 islands constitute 320 square kilometers, nearly one-third of the city's area, boasting geological wonders, fishing villages, cultural heritage, and artisanal food. Among Hong Kong's top 10 natural attractions, four are related to islands.