Chief Executive John Lee said on Sunday he hopes the Tourism Board will keep working with the Jockey Club to promote horse racing as a key part of Hong Kong’s travel experience.

Lee was at Sha Tin Racecourse to attend festivities marking the start of the racing season.

Writing on his Facebook page, Lee encouraged the travel industry to design high-quality tour packages that include horse racing.

He said this would allow more visitors to experience Hong Kong’s long history and its horse-racing culture.

The CE added that the government and the Jockey Club will work together to create “sports tourism experiences,” attracting tourists to come for international race days, performances and themed racing events.