Wetland Park has received over 1 million visitors since its opening last May, more than double the original projection, Secretary for the Environment, Transport & Works Dr Sarah Liao says.

Opening the First Wetland Link International-Asia Symposium at Wetland Park today, Dr Liao noted the park offers a home for the local wildlife and plays a key role in promoting public understanding on how people interact with wetlands and the importance of wetland conservation in the city.

"Since its opening last May, it has already received more than 1 million visitors, more than double our original projection. The thousands of visitors coming to the park day after day clearly reflects the important role of our park in raising public awareness of wetland conservation.

Asia Pacific's hub

"Because of its popularity, the Hong Kong Wetland Park provides the ideal platform for a wide range of communication, education and public awareness  activities. The Agriculture, Fisheries & Conservation Department, the manager of the park, is committed to promoting the Park as a hub for such activities in the Asia Pacific," she added.

Secretary for Economic Development & Labour Stephen Ip said the average monthly visitor number exceeds 120,000, with about 2,000-3,000 a day on weekdays and 8,000-10,000 a day on weekends and public holidays.

World-class facility

"Patronage so far has been encouraging, which is higher than the estimation of 540,000 a year made in 2002, indicating that this world-class conservation, education and tourism facility has been well-received by the public," Mr Ip said.

Noting park services and facilities, including crowd management, have been enhanced in the light of operational experience, Mr Ip said more directional signs will be installed in the park's vicinity for visitors' convenience.

Officials consider the park's venue and crowd-management measures adequate to meet public demand, he added.

Boardwalk most popular

The park's visitor survey results showed more than 85% of respondents are satisfied with the facilities and would visit again. More than 90% would introduce the park to their family members and friends, and about 60% spent two to four hours in the park.

The most popular facilities were the Mangrove Boardwalk, Wetland World Gallery, Bird Hides, Wetland Challenge Gallery and Human Culture Gallery.

Mr Ip said park management has issued summonses to 12 visitors for littering or plucking plants so far. Posters and notices have been placed at prominent locations of the park to remind visitors that it was designated a no-smoking area on January 1.