FS urges tourism upgrades
February 26, 2014
Financial Secretary John Tsang says the Government must invest in tourism upgrades to cater to demand and attract big-spending visitors.
Delivering his 2014-15 Budget today, Mr Tsang said more than 50 million visitors pumped $340 billion into Hong Kong’s economy last year, making up 4.7% of GDP and employing more than 250,000 people. Tourism also drove growth in many other industries, such as retail, catering and transport.
"I appreciate that an excessive number or over-concentration of visitors may exert pressure on our society. Government should strive to ensure there is sufficient capacity to receive visitors."
He said the Government will release six sites within the "hotel belt" adjacent to the Kai Tak Cruise Terminal to develop a hotel cluster.
It will reserve $45 million to provide services and concessions for conventions and exhibitions in the next three years.
It will reserve $50 million to strengthen popular tourist events in the next two years, such as by introducing 3D projection mapping technology to further enhance the night view of Victoria Harbour.
It will also complete the midfield development of Hong Kong International Airport in 2015.
"To attract high-spending visitors to Hong Kong, thus bring about more economic benefits from tourism, we should continue to upgrade our tourist facilities, host attractive mega events and maintain an adequate supply of high-end hotel accommodation."
