HONG KONG: THE FACTS
Tourism
The tourism industry is one of the major pillars of the economy of Hong Kong. The total tourism expenditure associated to inbound tourism exceeded HK$110 billion in 2006.
The encouraging growth momentum in visitor arrivals continued in 2006 with 25.25 million, an increase of 8.1% compared with the same period in 2005. All market regions recorded positive growth, with Europe and South and Southeast Asia registering double-digit increases compared with 2005. Mainland was still the largest source market with arrivals breaking another record with more than 13.59 million, increasing by 8.4% over a year ago. Several major tourist attractions have been completed including Hong Kong Disneyland, A Symphony of Lights Phase II, Hong Kong Wetland Park and Ngong Ping 360. Together with the worldwide promotional initiatives and events staged by the Hong Kong Tourism Board, the outlook of the tourism industry of Hong Kong is expected to remain positive.
Accommodation and Length of Stay: By the end of 2006, Hong Kong had 126 hotels, with 47 128 rooms. The average occupancy rate for 2006 was 87 per cent, an increase of one percentage point as compared with 2005. Total room-nights rise too as the total stock of hotel room supply increased by some 3 200 rooms or 7.4 per cent during the year. The average length of stay of overnight visitors in 2005 was 3.7 nights.
Tourism Commission: The Tourism Commission (TC) was established in May 1999 to coordinate within government various tourism development efforts and to provide better policy support and leadership on the part of government to the development of tourism in Hong Kong.
The Commission's task is to establish and promote Hong Kong as Asia's premier international city, a world-class destination for leisure and business visitors.
To fulfill this mission systematically, the Commission needs to ensure that tourism receives proper recognition as one of the major sectors of the economy, with the industry, the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) and the Government working in harmony, and bringing in the community at large.
It is essential for the trade and the Government to work closely together. A Tourism Strategy Group, comprising representatives from the Government, the HKTB and various sectors of the tourism industry, has been established to advise the Government on tourism development from a strategic perspective.
Tourist Attractions and Facilities: The Government has plans to develop a wide-range of diversified tourist attractions in Hong Kong with a view to enhancing our overall attractiveness as a premier tourist destination.
Enhancement projects are implemented to give a facelift to the existing popular tourist areas. The completed projects include enhancement of the Sai Kung waterfront, minor improvements to Lei Yue Mun, enhancement of the Central and Western District, and the Avenue of Stars which is a joint venture with the private sector. The Tsim Sha Tsui Beautification Project and the installation of visitor signage in all 18 districts have been largely completed. We target to complete the enhancement works for Dr. Sun Yat-sen Historical Trail in early 2007. The new transport link in Tsim Sha Tsui East, and the beautification works for Stanley waterfront and the Peak are scheduled for completion in 2007. Projects being planned include the Aberdeen Tourism Project to complement the redevelopment plan of Ocean Park, further enhancement of the facilities along Lei Yue Mun waterfront and the development of a piazza at Tsim Sha Tsui.
"A Symphony of Lights", launched by the Commission in January 2004, has been very well received by both visitors and locals. It was awarded the world's "Largest Permanent Light and Sound Show" by Guinness World Records in November 2005, accredited on the basis of the 20 buildings on Hong Kong Island jointly performing in a fully synchronized light and sound show every night. The Show was extended to Kowloon side covering a total of 33 buildings on both sides of the Victoria Harbour in December 2005 and successfully achieved a new world record.
Hong Kong Disneyland is an important part of our tourism infrastructure. Together with other tourism attractions in Hong Kong, it helps promote Hong Kong as the premier destination for family tourists in the region. The park received over five million visitors during its first year of operation. Two other major projects, namely the Hong Kong Wetland Park and Ngong Ping 360 were opened in 2006. Hong Kong Wetland Park is a world-class conservation, education and tourism facility. Ngong Ping 360, comprises a 20-minute cable car ride offering a spectacular panoramic view of the beautiful landscape of Lantau Island, and a traditional Chinese and Buddhist themed village, also provides a convenient access for visitors to explore other intriguing parts of Lantau. The heritage tourism development at the former Marine Police Headquarters Compound is expected to be completed by 2008. The Government is collecting views from the public on the way forward for the preservation, restoration and development of the Central Police Station, Victoria Prison and the former Central Magistracy Compound.
The Government has announced its plan for developing new cruise terminal facilities at Kai Tak in October 2006. The Government will offer the 7.6 hectares of land at the southern end of the former runway at the Kai Tak Development to the market through an open land tender. The Government intends to award the tender in the
