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OF BENEFIT TO HONG KONG
(The Hong Kong Daily News: September 15)
We believe that there is a natural tendency for Hong Kong and China to develop closer economic relations. Provided that it is in line with commercial principles, local consortia would view the opportunity to invest in China's tourist industry as a new area of business development.
(Sing Tao Jih Pao: September 16)
The increase in the number of visitors to China will be beneficial to Hong Kong. A good illustration is the fact that Hong Kong hotels are fully booked before and after the Autumn and Spring Trade Fairs in Canton each year. Hong Kong should make good
use of this advantage.
The idea of opening up a tourist spot near the border for tourists who only visit Hong Kong should be considered. At present, tourists cannot see much of China from either Sha Tau Kok or the lookout at Lok Ma Chau because Lo Wu is a restricted area.
(Wah Kiu Yat Po: September 21)
Recent indications are that China intends to actively develop its tourist industry We cannot deny the fact that China has many unique attractions but China's existing tourist reception facilities, especially for tourists from Europe and America, are still far below international standards. China may not be able to catch up with Hong Kong at least in the next five years.
If China lures away a large number of tourists, will the number of tourists to Hong Kong decline correspondingly? On the face of it, this seems possible but in fact, it will not be the case and Hong Kong will stand to benefit from the situation.
The majority of tourists to China will also visit Hong Kong if Hong Kong tries to actively maintain and develop its facilities and avoid clashing with China.
(Hong Kong Standard: September 22, Hong Kong Tourist Association, 21st Anniversary Supplement)
"The high priority being placed on tourism by The People's Republic of China may well attract more visitors to pass through Hongkong, requiring us to adjust our forecasts upwards once again and putting further pressure on the airport facilities.
"We believe that considerable potential exists for developing a mutuality of interest in tourism between China and Hongkong," the chairman said. (Mr. D.K. Newbigging is Chairman of the HKTA)
"Perhaps the single most important event this year in this region has been the start of the major tourist movements to the People's Republic of China.
"This will undoubtedly have a strong influence on Hongkong's visitor industry in future and it is important that we are aware of the requirements to sustain Hongkong as an increasingly important gateway for this business." (Statement by HKTA's Executive Director, John Pain)
At the start of this year, the opening up of the People's Republic of China for tourists is boosting the increase of numbers of visitors to Hongkong. The initial once-a-week tour to Canton was increased to twice weekly after the first close-up period of April 10 to May 10 for the Canton Trade Fair. Now after the Autumn Trade Fair, a third weekly departure will commence. The initial number of each group was 150,
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