IMMIGRATION AND TOURISM
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gradual development of interest in countries which, up to the present time, have only contributed in a small measure to the overall total.
The results of the year under review indicated a very satisfactory volume of business for most hotels, but from the overall viewpoint there are grounds for concern with regard to the future on the question of room availability. During the year only one major extension was made to a leading hotel, and there appear to be few plans as yet for future growth. If the inflow of visitors continues to grow at the present rate or, given more favourable conditions, at an even accelerated rate, there will be a need for more accom- modation in two to three years' time, during the tourist season, in the first and second class range of hotel rooms.
The Hong Kong Government's relaxations of visa requirements referred to earlier in this chapter have contributed greatly towards the facilitation of travel from the countries concerned, and serve as an excellent example of what can be done in this field. The new ocean terminal, which is probably the best of its kind in the world, is another instance of modern planning and construction that has benefited the tourist and travel industry. But travel by air is in- creasing at a far greater rate than travel by sea and the facilities of Hong Kong's airport are already, during most afternoons, severely strained. Plans are, however, under preliminary considera- tion for expanding the facilities for handling passengers.
Feasibility studies on the development of resort areas, of an exhibition, convention and covered stadium complex and of an oceanarium, commissioned by the Tourist Association and com- pleted in 1965, are now under consideration either by the Association or by the government. A 12-month survey of the characteristics of Hong Kong visitors, commissioned by the Association in 1965, will be presented in its completed state early in 1967. The survey should provide a document of considerable value both to present and future planning and it may be possible, as a result, to make a reasonable estimate of the actual value of the tourist industry to the economy of Hong Kong. The report will also analyse the actual categories of spending of the visitors; their likes and dislikes; areas of satisfaction and of criticism; where the promotion effort is most effective and where more emphasis should be placed.