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Following is the question by the Hon Howard Young and a written reply by the Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Frederick Ma, (in the absence of Secretary for Economic Development and Labour) in the Legislative Council today (July 5):
Question:
Hong Kong is now facing competition from other places in attracting Mainland visitors, and the number of Mainland visitors to Hong Kong during the Labour Day Golden Week this year fell short of expectation. Moreover, new tourism facility projects put forward by the Government, such as the cruise terminal, spa resort and fisherman's wharf, are yet to be materialised. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council whether it will expedite the development of tourism infrastructure so as to maintain the competitive edge of Hong Kong's tourism industry; if so, of the details of the development plan; if not, the reasons for that?
Reply:
Madam President,
We have always strived to develop new tourist attractions as well as enhance existing ones. The Hong Kong Disneyland was opened in September last year. It helps strengthen Hong Kong's position as the preferred destination in Asia for family visitors. "A Symphony of Lights" was awarded the world's largest permanent light and sound show by Guinness World Records last November. Phase II of the show was launched last Christmas covering 33 buildings on both sides of the Victoria Harbour. The Hong Kong Wetland Park, a nature conservation, education and tourism facility, was just opened in May this year. Besides, the Hong Kong Disneyland will launch three new attractions (Autopia, Stitch Encounter and UFO Cool Zone) this summer. These diversified tourism products and new facilities will help enhance Hong Kong's attractiveness to visitors. The redevelopment works of the Ocean Park will commence this year, which will turn the park into a world-class marine-themed attraction.
We will also continue to implement the Tourism District Enhancement Programme. The Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade Beautification Project is expected to complete within the next few months and the improvement works at the Stanley waterfront and the Peak will be completed next year. Other projects in the pipeline include the Tsim Sha Tsui Piazza and the Lei Yue Mun Waterfront Enhancement Project. Apart from the above-mentioned projects in the planning or being implemented, we are also planning for other new tourism projects such as the Aberdeen Tourism Project to complement Ocean ParkĄ¯s redevelopment, and the development of new cruise terminal facilities.
To conclude, in order to maintain Hong Kong's position as the premier tourism destination in Asia, the Government will continue to attract visitors to Hong Kong through planning and developing new tourism infrastructure as well as improving existing facilities.
Ends/Wednesday, July 5, 2006
Issued at HKT 16:07
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