{"id":14862,"date":"2026-10-08T06:03:25","date_gmt":"2026-10-07T22:03:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ccsg.hku.hk\/?page_id=14862"},"modified":"2026-10-08T12:19:03","modified_gmt":"2026-10-08T04:19:03","slug":"project-village-tourism-in-hong-kong-a-training-incubation-and-innovation-programme","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/ccsg.hku.hk\/en\/project-village-tourism-in-hong-kong-a-training-incubation-and-innovation-programme\/","title":{"rendered":"Village Tourism in Hong Kong: A Training, Incubation and Innovation Programme"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-page\" data-elementor-id=\"14862\" class=\"elementor elementor-14862\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-4d8e822 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"4d8e822\" data-element_type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-17f49a7\" data-id=\"17f49a7\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2f33411 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"2f33411\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<style>\/*! elementor - v3.15.0 - 20-08-2023 *\/\n.elementor-widget-text-editor.elementor-drop-cap-view-stacked .elementor-drop-cap{background-color:#69727d;color:#fff}.elementor-widget-text-editor.elementor-drop-cap-view-framed .elementor-drop-cap{color:#69727d;border:3px solid;background-color:transparent}.elementor-widget-text-editor:not(.elementor-drop-cap-view-default) .elementor-drop-cap{margin-top:8px}.elementor-widget-text-editor:not(.elementor-drop-cap-view-default) .elementor-drop-cap-letter{width:1em;height:1em}.elementor-widget-text-editor .elementor-drop-cap{float:left;text-align:center;line-height:1;font-size:50px}.elementor-widget-text-editor .elementor-drop-cap-letter{display:inline-block}<\/style>\t\t\t\t<p><style><span data-mce-type=\"bookmark\" style=\"display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;\" class=\"mce_SELRES_start\">\ufeff<\/span><span data-mce-type=\"bookmark\" style=\"display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;\" class=\"mce_SELRES_start\">\ufeff<\/span><span data-mce-type=\"bookmark\" style=\"display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;\" class=\"mce_SELRES_start\">\ufeff<\/span>.vt{color:#24312c;background:#fff;font-size:16px;line-height:1.75;max-width:100\uff05;margin:0 auto;padding:1.25rem 1.25rem 2.5rem}.vt *{box-sizing:border-box}.vt h2{margin:0 0 1.25rem;color:#14352b;font-size:1.85rem;font-weight:650;line-height:1.3}.vt h3{margin:2.5rem 0 0.9rem;padding-bottom:0.4rem;border-bottom:2px solid #d5e4db;color:#14352b;font-size:1.35rem;font-weight:650;line-height:1.35}.vt h4{margin:0 0 0.4rem;color:#14352b;font-size:1.08rem;font-weight:650;line-height:1.4}.vt p{margin:0 0 1rem}.vt a{color:#0c6b4d}.vt a:hover{color:#084a35}.vt-lang{display:flex;gap:0.5rem;margin:0 0 1.5rem}.vt-lang a{display:inline-block;padding:0.28rem 0.8rem;border:1px solid #c9ddd3;border-radius:999px;color:#14352b;font-size:0.92rem;font-weight:600;text-decoration:none}.vt-lang a:hover{border-color:#0c6b4d;background:#f3faf6}.vt-partners{display:grid;grid-template-columns:1fr 1fr;gap:1rem;margin:0 0 0.4rem}.vt-partner{padding:1rem 1.1rem;border:1px solid #e2ebe6;border-radius:8px;background:#fbfcfb}.vt-kicker{margin:0 0 0.45rem;color:#5c6b64;font-size:0.82rem;font-weight:650;letter-spacing:0.04em;text-transform:uppercase}.vt-logos{display:flex;flex-wrap:nowrap;align-items:center;gap:0.75rem}.vt-logo{display:block!important;width:auto!important;height:auto!important;max-width:100%!important;max-height:72px!important;object-fit:contain!important;object-position:left center;flex:0 1 auto}.vt-logos:has(img+img) .vt-logo{max-width:calc(50% - 0.4rem)!important;min-width:0!important}.vt-support{margin:0.2rem 0 0.4rem;padding-left:1.25rem}.vt-support li{margin:0.25rem 0}.vt ul{margin:0 0 1rem;padding-left:1.25rem}.vt li{margin:0.3rem 0}.vt-goals{display:grid;grid-template-columns:repeat(3,1fr);gap:1rem;margin:0.3rem 0 0.2rem}.vt-goal{display:flex;flex-direction:column;border:1px solid #e2ebe6;border-radius:8px;background:#fff;overflow:hidden}.vt-goal img,.vt-stage img{display:block!important;width:100%!important;max-width:100%!important;height:auto!important;aspect-ratio:3\/2;object-fit:cover!important;object-position:center}.vt-goal div{padding:0.95rem 1rem 1.05rem}.vt-stage{display:grid;grid-template-columns:280px 1fr;gap:1.25rem;margin:0 0 1.35rem;padding:1rem;border:1px solid #e2ebe6;border-radius:8px;background:#fff}.vt-stage-side h4{margin-top:0.15rem;font-size:1.2rem}.vt-when{margin:0 0 0.75rem;color:#0c6b4d;font-weight:650}.vt-sessions{list-style:none;margin:0 0 0.8rem;padding:0}.vt-sessions li{margin:0 0 0.85rem;padding:0.75rem 0.85rem;border-left:3px solid #0c6b4d;background:#f6faf8}.vt-sessions strong{display:block;color:#14352b}.vt-sessions time{display:block;margin-top:0.2rem;color:#3d5148;font-size:0.92rem}.vt-note{margin:0;padding:0.7rem 0.85rem;border-radius:6px;background:#f4f7f5;color:#3d5148;font-size:0.95rem}.vt-apply{display:inline-block;padding:0.45rem 1rem;border-radius:6px;background:#0c6b4d;color:#fff!important;font-weight:650;text-decoration:none}.vt-apply:hover{background:#084a35;color:#fff!important}.vt-zh{margin-top:3.5rem;padding-top:2rem;border-top:3px solid #14352b}@media (max-width:100px){.vt-partners,.vt-goals,.vt-stage{grid-template-columns:1fr}.vt{font-size:15px}.vt h2{font-size:1.5rem}}<\/style><\/p><div class=\"vt\"><article id=\"en\" lang=\"en\"><h3>Programme Partners<\/h3><div class=\"vt-partners\"><div class=\"vt-partner\"><p class=\"vt-kicker\">Initiated by<\/p><div class=\"vt-logos\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"vt-logo\" src=\"https:\/\/ccsg.hku.hk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/HKUCCSG-Chi-Eng-Black_horizontal.png\" alt=\"Centre for Civil Society and Governance, HKU\" \/>\u00a0 \u00a0 <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"vt-logo\" src=\"https:\/\/ccsg.hku.hk\/slgp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Academy_Logo_Outline1.png\" alt=\"Rural Sustainability Academy\" \/><\/div><\/div><div class=\"vt-partner\"><p class=\"vt-kicker\">Co-organised with<\/p><div class=\"vt-logos\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"vt-logo\" src=\"https:\/\/ccsg.hku.hk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Airbnb_Logo_Belo.svg.webp\" alt=\"Airbnb\" \/><\/div><\/div><\/div><h4 style=\"display: none;\">Supported by<\/h4><ul class=\"vt-support\" style=\"display: none;\"><li>XXX<\/li><\/ul><h3>Background<\/h3><p>The concept of sustainable tourism is moving beyond \u201cdoing less harm\u201d toward regenerative approaches that generate positive outcomes for local economies, cultural continuity and ecological stewardship. Visitor demand is shifting in parallel. Travellers are increasingly seeking authentic, place-based, experience-led journeys connecting them with nature, local culture, food, crafts and community life. This shift in visitor demand has also been matched by a growing policy interest in village tourism as a tool for local development and rural revitalisation:<\/p><ul><li>In the Chinese Mainland, the Strategic Plan for Rural Revitalization positions village tourism within a broader strategy to revitalise rural areas<\/li><li>The HKSAR government also announced a HK$200 million Northern Metropolis Urban-Rural Integration Fund Pilot Scheme under the \u201cTourism is Everywhere\u201d campaign, encouraging NGOs to develop tourism projects that enhance the economic vitality of rural villages<\/li><\/ul><p>In 2026, the Centre for Civil Society and Governance at HKU initiated \u201cVillage Tourism in Hong Kong: A Training, Incubation and Innovation Programme\u201d in collaboration with Airbnb China. The Programme has been developed as a dedicated vehicle to nurture village tourism talent and to advance the development of a more resilient, coordinated and sustainable village tourism ecosystem in Hong Kong. It seeks to equip participants with competencies in rural entrepreneurship, community-based hospitality, storytelling, business modelling, and social impact innovation. The incubation pathway comprises three Masterclasses, two Immersive Workshops, and a Village Tourism Case Challenge.<\/p><h3>Objectives<\/h3><div class=\"vt-goals\"><article class=\"vt-goal\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/ccsg.hku.hk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/image2.png\" alt=\"Volunteers painting a village wall mural of a tree and a cow\" \/><div><h4>Nurture talent<\/h4><p>with competencies in rural entrepreneurship, community-based hospitality, storytelling, business model, and impact innovation<\/p><\/div><\/article><article class=\"vt-goal\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/ccsg.hku.hk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/image3.png\" alt=\"Entrance gate of a rural village, with murals along the walls\" \/><div><h4>Translate assets<\/h4><p>into market-ready tourism through co-development and testing of place-based concepts with communities, NGOs and industry partners<\/p><\/div><\/article><article class=\"vt-goal\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/ccsg.hku.hk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/image4.png\" alt=\"Villagers and visitors gathered with dogs in a village courtyard\" \/><div><h4>Catalyse the ecosystem<\/h4><p>by connecting communities, academia, platforms, business and industry stakeholders<\/p><\/div><\/article><\/div><h3>Incubation Pathway<\/h3><article class=\"vt-stage\"><div class=\"vt-stage-side\"><p class=\"vt-kicker\">Stage 1<\/p><h4>Masterclasses<\/h4><p class=\"vt-when\">Nov 2026 \u2013 Jan 2027<\/p><p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/ccsg.hku.hk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/image1-1.jpeg\" alt=\"A panel discussion with speakers seated on stage\" \/><\/p><\/div><div class=\"vt-stage-body\"><p>The Masterclasses will engage rural asset experts to introduce key concepts, tourism planning considerations and practical tools, and will be complemented by cross-disciplinary dialogues that bring together practitioners from complementary fields to unlock fresh perspectives on village tourism.<\/p><ul class=\"vt-sessions\"><li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/ccsg.hku.hk\/en\/masterclass-1-from-policy-to-possibility-capitalising-on-the-new-frontiers-of-village-tourism\/\"><strong>Masterclass 1: \u3010From Policy to Possibility\u3011Capitalising on the new frontiers of Village Tourism<\/strong><\/a><\/span> <time>November 28, 2026 (Saturday)<\/time><\/li><li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/ccsg.hku.hk\/en\/masterclass-2-from-activity-to-industry-driving-village-tourism-innovation-with-communities\/\"><strong>Masterclass 2: \u3010From Activity to Industry\u3011Driving Village Tourism Innovation with Communities<\/strong><\/a><\/span> <time>December 12, 2026 (Saturday)<\/time><\/li><li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/ccsg.hku.hk\/en\/masterclass-3-from-marketing-to-matchmaking-connecting-the-right-people-places-and-possibilities\/\"><strong>Masterclass 3: \u3010From Marketing to Matchmaking\u3011Connecting the Right People, Places and Possibilities<\/strong><\/a><\/span> <time>January 23, 2027 (Saturday)<\/time><\/li><\/ul><p class=\"vt-note\">Priority will be given to applicants who are committed to join all the Masterclasses, Immersive Workshops, and the Village Tourism Case Challenge.<\/p><\/div><\/article><article class=\"vt-stage\"><div class=\"vt-stage-side\"><p class=\"vt-kicker\">Stage 2<\/p><h4>Field-based Immersive Workshops<\/h4><p class=\"vt-when\">Feb \u2013 Mar 2027<\/p><p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/ccsg.hku.hk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/image5.jpeg\" alt=\"Students watching a village cooking demonstration\" \/><\/p><\/div><div class=\"vt-stage-body\"><p>Following the Masterclasses, the Immersive Workshops will enable participants to assess village contexts, community aspirations, operational constraints and environmental sensitivities first-hand, through site visits and fieldwork activities.<\/p><ul class=\"vt-sessions\"><li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/ccsg.hku.hk\/en\/field-based-immersive-workshop-1-tai-o\/\"><strong>Immersive Workshop 1: Tai O<\/strong><\/a><\/span> <time>Date to be confirmed<\/time><\/li><li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/ccsg.hku.hk\/en\/field-based-immersive-workshop-2-yan-chau-tong\/\"><strong>Immersive Workshop 2: Yan Chau Tong<\/strong><\/a><\/span> <time>Date to be confirmed<\/time><\/li><\/ul><p><strong>Immersive Workshops sign-up eligibility:<\/strong> Only participants who have attended at least 2 Masterclasses will be eligible to sign up for the Immersive Workshops. Participants are required to attend both workshops. Participants will be invited to submit a one-page statement outlining their aspirations for sustainable tourism. This submission will help participants reflect on their interests and inform the selection of topics for the Case Challenge stage. Immersive Workshops have a maximum capacity of 25 participants; if sign-ups exceed this number, spaces will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Once the sign-up is accepted, participants are required to pay HKD XXX to secure the place and cover part of the tour fee.<\/p><\/div><\/article><article class=\"vt-stage\"><div class=\"vt-stage-side\"><p class=\"vt-kicker\">Stage 3<\/p><h4>Village Tourism Case Challenge<\/h4><p class=\"vt-when\">Apr 2027<\/p><p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/ccsg.hku.hk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/image6.jpeg\" alt=\"A small group in discussion around a table in a village lane\" \/><\/p><\/div><div class=\"vt-stage-body\">Upon completion of the Masterclasses and Immersive Workshops, participants will enter the Case Challenge stage, where they will be required to formulate Problem Statements related to Hong Kong\u2019s village tourism based on in-depth investigations on a site, community, or issue of their own choice. These problem statements may address service gaps, visitor experience challenges, underutilised rural assets, opportunities for local product development, community needs, or environmental management concerns. Up to five outstanding Problem Statements will be selected to receive an award of HKD 2,000 as recognition of research efforts and to encourage further refinement of concepts. Click here for more details: <a href=\"https:\/\/ccsg.hku.hk\/en\/village-tourism-case-challenge\/\">https:\/\/ccsg.hku.hk\/en\/village-tourism-case-challenge\/<\/a><\/div><\/article><h3>Who Should Apply<\/h3><p>Individuals who are passionate about developing sustainable village tourism in Hong Kong: university students, early-career professionals, villagers, community-based operators, and aspiring entrepreneurs. Applicants should be aged 18 or above and living in Hong Kong.<\/p><h3>Fee<\/h3><p>All Masterclasses are free to join. For the two immersive workshops, eligible participants will be required to pay a deposit of HKD XXX to secure their place and cover part of the tour fee once the sign-up is accepted.<\/p><h3 style=\"display: none;\">Application Method<\/h3><p style=\"display: none;\"><a class=\"vt-apply\" href=\"#\">Click here<\/a><\/p><h3>Enquiry<\/h3><p>For enquiries, please contact us at <a href=\"tel:+85267012172\">(852) 6701-2172<\/a> \/ <a href=\"tel:+85239102535\">(852) 3910-2535<\/a>.<\/p><\/article><\/div>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-b7a8a91 elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"b7a8a91\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<style>\/*! elementor - v3.15.0 - 20-08-2023 *\/\n.elementor-column .elementor-spacer-inner{height:var(--spacer-size)}.e-con{--container-widget-width:100%}.e-con-inner>.elementor-widget-spacer,.e-con>.elementor-widget-spacer{width:var(--container-widget-width,var(--spacer-size));--align-self:var(--container-widget-align-self,initial);--flex-shrink:0}.e-con-inner>.elementor-widget-spacer>.elementor-widget-container,.e-con-inner>.elementor-widget-spacer>.elementor-widget-container>.elementor-spacer,.e-con>.elementor-widget-spacer>.elementor-widget-container,.e-con>.elementor-widget-spacer>.elementor-widget-container>.elementor-spacer{height:100%}.e-con-inner>.elementor-widget-spacer>.elementor-widget-container>.elementor-spacer>.elementor-spacer-inner,.e-con>.elementor-widget-spacer>.elementor-widget-container>.elementor-spacer>.elementor-spacer-inner{height:var(--container-widget-height,var(--spacer-size))}<\/style>\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Programme Partners Initiated by \u00a0 \u00a0 Co-organised with Supported by XXX Background The concept of sustainable tourism is moving beyond \u201cdoing less harm\u201d toward regenerative approaches that generate positive outcomes for local economies, cultural continuity and ecological stewardship. Visitor demand is shifting in parallel. Travellers are increasingly seeking authentic, place-based, experience-led journeys connecting them with [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":14991,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"inside.php","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-14862","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"acf":[],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/ccsg.hku.hk\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/14862","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/ccsg.hku.hk\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/ccsg.hku.hk\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ccsg.hku.hk\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/5"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ccsg.hku.hk\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=14862"}],"version-history":[{"count":25,"href":"https:\/\/ccsg.hku.hk\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/14862\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":14994,"href":"https:\/\/ccsg.hku.hk\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/14862\/revisions\/14994"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ccsg.hku.hk\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/14991"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/ccsg.hku.hk\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=14862"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}