To facilitate exchanges on study tour programs and promote premium mainland study tour routes, the 2025 Annual Collaboration Meeting of the Task Force for Promoting Mainland Study Tours for Hong Kong and Macao Students was held in Hong Kong on January 6. The meeting focused on discussing innovative study tour products and services, aiming to further stimulate the interest of Hong Kong and Macao teenagers in participating in exchange and study programs on the mainland.
Launched in 2024 under the leadership of the Asia Tourism Exchange Center, the Task Force for Promoting Mainland Study Tours for Hong Kong and Macao Students is dedicated to publicizing high-quality mainland study tour routes, conducting inspections of mainland study tour products, organizing training and exchange activities for mainland study tours, connecting with the Hong Kong and Macao Youth Mainland Study Tour Alliance, and assisting in resolving difficulties and problems encountered during mainland study tours.
In his speech at the meeting, Zhang Dong, Director of the Asia Tourism Exchange Center, stated that since its establishment, the Task Force has evolved into a vital platform for Hong Kong and Macao study tour initiatives. Through a series of thematic seminars, route inspections and large-scale promotion events, the Task Force has effectively promoted resource sharing and cooperation, attracted the active participation of numerous mainland institutions, and provided robust support for the national condition education of Hong Kong and Macao teenagers.
Hui Shing-yan, Chief Curriculum Development Officer of the Education Bureau of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government, briefed the attendees on the progress of the Mainland Study Tour Program for the Citizenship and Social Development Subject. As a key component of the senior secondary curriculum, this program has facilitated over 100,000 students to participate in exchange programs on the mainland, with itineraries covering multiple provinces. Going forward, the Education Bureau will continue to expand tour routes, deepen collaboration with relevant mainland authorities, strengthen safety guarantees and publicity efforts, and further encourage Hong Kong teenagers to enhance their understanding of national development and strengthen their national identity through on-site inspections.
During the case-sharing session, representatives from multiple institutions exchanged practical experience in organizing study tour activities. To align with the senior secondary Citizenship and Social Development Subject education, Hong Kong has arranged a mandatory mainland study tour opportunity for all students enrolled in the subject since the 2022/2023 academic year, enabling them to learn about the country’s history and culture, latest development achievements and people’s daily lives. Study tour groups for senior secondary students taking the Citizenship and Social Development Subject have been traveling to the mainland successively since April 2023.
