IMMIGRATION AND TOURISM
TOURISM
171
At the beginning of the year tourism was still suffering to some extent from the after effects of the 1967 disturbances. The end of the year presented an entirely different picture. The total number of visitors to the Colony in 1968 was 618,410 who stayed an average of 3.9 days. This compared with a total of 527,365 in the previous year representing an increase of 17.26 per cent (these figures do not include servicemen of all nationalities visiting Hong Kong on leave and recreation).
It is interesting to note a changing pattern of travel movement which shows a decrease in arrivals by sea, but a strong increase in group travel, which is expected to continue to expand even more rapidly in future years. One tour operator alone brought in nine groups in 1967, 22 in 1968 and has confirmed 42 groups for 1969. There is, however, a need continually to encourage visitors from a wider range of countries in order to offset the risks of loss due to international disturbances and economic difficulties. In this context it is encouraging to see new airlines starting to operate into Hong Kong. During the year a service by East African Airlines was inaugurated which, by providing a direct link with the African Continent, will contribute one more spoke in Hong Kong's wheel of travel. Other possible newcomers are Trans- International who propose to operate charter flights, and Varig Brazilian Airlines who hope to commence operations in the near future. It is also hoped that increased calls by ships of the Orient Overseas Lines will help to bring more passengers by sea into Hong Kong.
The promotion of Hong Kong as a tourist centre requires constant revision and change to adapt to circumstances and the Hong Kong Tourist Association has placed much more emphasis on special promotion and public relations during 1968. In Europe, a mobile exhibition has visited many of the main cities of Scandinavia, Belgium, Germany, France, Switzerland and Austria. Facilities have been provided for the Trade Development Council and Cathay Pacific Airways as a part of this mobile exhibition, so as to assist them in their promotional operations. An office has been opened by the Tourist Association in Geneva which will cater for the needs