IMMIGRATION AND TOURISM
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Contractors' Associations, the Fourth Orient and South-East Asian Lions Convention, the Far East Division General Conference of Seventh Day Adventists, an IBM Convention, and a Chrysler Inter- national Sales Convention. It is probable that more meetings would have taken place in Hong Kong if accommodation for assemblies had been available. Unfortunately the maximum capacity of the concert hall in the City Hall is 1,500 and there is no catering establishment that can provide a banquet for more than 600 people at a sitting.
From the travel industry point of view, the American Society of Travel Agents World Travel Congress was the highlight of the year. More travel agents than had ever before attended an ASTA conference made the long journey from all parts of the world to Hong Kong and voted it a complete success. One of the highlights was a 'Pageant of the Pacific' in which the Philippines, Korea, Thailand, Macau, Hawaii, New Zealand and Hong Kong took part.
To maintain the momentum of Hong Kong's travel and tourist industry it is essential to plan for development and expansion, based on as much reliable data as can be obtained. During the year the Association completed three feasibility studies on the construction of an oceanarium, the construction and development of resort areas, and the construction and development of an exhibition and convention site. The feasibility study on resort areas recommended the development of the Sai Kung peninsula, southern Lantau Island, Castle Peak and the Tolo peninsula in three stages beginning in 1968. Facilities would include hotels, motels, marinas and golf courses. The feasibility study for an exhibition and convention site recommended a multi-purpose complex at Hung Hom to include a 7,000-seat auditorium, an arena and air- conditioned exhibition halls. The Association also started a survey in depth on the habits and spending of visitors and the effect of tourist revenue on the Hong Kong economy.
Shopping remains one of Hong Kong's main attractions and it is therefore very gratifying that the Hong Kong Management Association has decided to give detailed study to the many aspects of the retail trade. In order to do this a domestic retailing sub- committee has been formed with the Tourist Association as a member.