Maggie Lin, who grew up on an island in Guangdong province, and who now works in the city of Shenzhen, enjoys camping on the islands of Hong Kong for their pristine views and well-equipped amenities. "It's a great way to relieve stress. Such a weekend tour to explore Hong Kong's nature is popular among many outdoor lovers from Shenzhen."

Gao Jun, associate professor of tourism management at Sun Yat-sen University in Guangzhou, who also serves as co-chair of the university's UNESCO Chair on Sustainable Tourism in UNESCO-designated sites, said that Hong Kong's island resources have long been overshadowed by its metropolitan image.

"Island tourism can enrich Hong Kong's brand as a tourist attraction. Its compatibility with micro-vacation products can extend visitors' stay and boost spending ... tourism opportunities related to the sea are a 'blue ocean' opportunity, offering numerous possibilities to explore," said Gao.