The tourism industry is an important pillar of Hong Kong’s economy, Chief Executive CY Leung said today, adding the Central and Hong Kong Governments will take different views into account to protect the industry’s healthy development.
Before attending this morning's Executive Council meeting, Mr Leung told reporters the Government must develop the city's economy to improve people’s livelihood and solve social problems.
As the Financial Secretary has warned Hong Kong’s economic growth forecast may have to be adjusted downwards, given local and international situations, the Government must to protect the tourism industry.
Mr Leung said in recent years, there were calls to cut the number of Mainland visitors to Hong Kong, with some lawmakers even requesting a ban on them. The Government has heard different views in the last few weeks, with calls to handle the issue prudently, he said.
He said the Government will relay all views to the Central Government, as it decides the policy regarding Mainland visitors to other places, including Hong Kong.
