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Hong Kong as a Tourism Hub

Gist of the blog:

The number of visitor arrivals to Hong Kong has been on the rising trend this year. In October, there were over 5.8 million visitor arrivals to Hong Kong. With the recent opening of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge (HZMB), the number of arrivals is estimated to further increase in November. If this trend goes on, the number of visitor arrivals this year will very probably exceed 60 million, breaking the record of 2014.

Industry players of the tourism sector, operators of major tourist spots and the hotel industry have observed an improvement in business since this year. To ensure a sustainable development of the tourism sector in the long run, we have to provide sufficient supporting facilities to avoid disturbance to the daily lives of the community.

In fact, tourism accounts for 4.5% of the GDP and 6.7% of the employment in Hong Kong. Under the uncertain economic outlook induced by the international trade conflicts, it would be particularly important for us to continuously strengthen our tourism so as to stabilise the economy.

Apart from promoting through various channels, we also initiate innovative exchange programme for secondary students outside Hong Kong. By combining traditional school exchange and cultural tourism exchange, participants would have chance to join cultural and conservation tours, including the famous attractions in the “four corners” of Hong Kong, i.e. the Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark in the east, the Ocean Park in the south, Ngong Ping 360 in the west and the Hong Kong Wetland Park in the north. Together with Tai Kwun, PMQ and Dr Sun Yat-sen Historical Trail, I believe the programme could impress the youths with a more in-depth understanding of Hong Kong.

As an international metropolis with unique features, Hong Kong is a big tourism attraction in itself. With a clear goal and direction, as well as good planning and solid implementation, we could definitely develop Hong Kong as a high-value added tourism hub.

December 16, 2018