Hong Kong Takes Steps to Attract Tourists

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government has devised comprehensive measures to attract tourists to Hong Kong. An initial assessment in April indicated that SARS would cause a direct loss to GDP per month of about HK$2 billion, or 1.8% of monthly GDP, as a result of business downfalls in the hotel, airline and travel sectors.

Mr Stephen Ip, HKSAR’s Secretary for Economic Development and Labour, responded in Hong Kong’s Legislative Council on May 28 to a question about the HKSAR Government’s plans to build confidence and strengthen the tourism industry.

As well as encouraging Hong Kong people to resume normal life and economic activities, Mr Ip said that mega promotional events were being planned. “We are working with the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) and the tourism trade, including travel agents, hotels, airlines, retailers and restaurants to discuss our strategy to launch incentive programmes to attract visitors," he said.

Tourist enhancements projects have been implemented. These include the Harbour Lighting Plan and the Avenue of Stars, as well as beautification works in major tourist areas, such as Sai Kung and Lei Yue Mun waterfronts, and Central, Western and Tsim Sha Tsui districts.

Mr Ip also said that HKSAR Government will continue to liaise with the Mainland authorities to facilitate more Mainland visitors to Hong Kong. And the HKTB will strengthen publicity and promotion efforts on the Mainland and overseas.

To ensure that increased tourism does not affect Hong Kong’s SARS prevention, the HKSAR Government will strengthen screening and health checks at control points. Guidelines have been issued to the tourist industry and visitors, in order to raise awareness of SARS and reduce the chance of infection.

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