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IMMIGRATION AND TOURISM
trend of the last two years. United States' visitors numbered 230,425 during the year
-17.8 per cent of total visitors.
West European arrivals, excluding visitors from the United Kingdom, in 1973 continued to show a high growth rate, 18.8 per cent more than in 1972, although as yet they only constitute 8.4 per cent of all visitors. Australia and New Zealand maintained an increased growth rate of 18.2 per cent in 1973 over the previous year.
Charter flights and special promotional fares introduced by scheduled and non- scheduled airlines continue to attract more and more visitors to Asia. Trans-Pacific fares have also become more attractive, but economic conditions in the United States continue to have a dampening effect on travel from North America.
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The average hotel occupancy rate remained steady at 79 per cent. During the year one major hotel and one smaller hotel opened to the public, increasing the avail- able accommodation by six per cent and bringing the total number of rooms at the end of 1973 to 11,432. In 1974 three major hotels are scheduled for completion and accommodation available is estimated to increase by about 22 per cent.
The average length of stay of 3.2 nights in 1972, increased slightly to 3.5 nights in 1973. From a survey undertaken during the year it emerged that most visitors on leaving Hong Kong would recommend a longer stay of five to six days. To widen Hong Kong's appeal and to encourage tourists to extend their stay, a number of new attractions are under construction, and various resort projects are now being planned for Lantau and other outlying districts of the New Territories. Carefully planned resort areas, taking advantage of Hong Kong's beaches, natural beauty and potential sporting facilities will attract visitors, as well as providing recreational facilities for local residents.
A major convention centre is now being constructed in Causeway Bay, and is expected to be completed in 1975. Intensive promotion is already under way making Hong Kong's future as a convention centre for Southeast Asia widely known. Several established hotels, and others still under construction offer conference facilities on a more limited scale.
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The Hong Kong Arts Festival in February and March provided Hong Kong with a cultural event of international significance. The festival, now an annual event, adds another aspect to the widening base of Hong Kong's tourist appeal.
During the year several new sightseeing tours were introduced by local tour operators, taking advantage of Hong Kong's coastal position, and introducing the visitor to some new aspects of its scenic beauty. Chinese culture also received more attention, and Cantonese opera and Chinese classical music will feature in the 1974 Arts Festival. A Chinese festival is also being adapted for the enjoyment of visitors.
In co-operation with the Hong Kong Association of Travel Agents, the Hong Kong Tourist Association organised a series of refresher courses for tourist guides during the year to bring their knowledge of Hong Kong up-to-date and to test their skills. The courses were held in English and Japanese. The Hong Kong Tourist