TOURIST SUB-COMMITTEE.
At the first meeting of the Economic Resources Committee it was generally agreed that the Colony was capable of much develop- ment from a tourist standpoint. A Sub-committee was appointed to go into this question, and, after considerable preliminary work, agreed unanimously on the desirability of placing at once the following suggestions and recommendations before the Government. It is obvious that with our natural beauties, assisted by Government and private enterprise, we should be able to compete with Japan, and attract visitors from all parts of the globe. For years past there has been a tendency for visitors to stay here just long enough to allow of a visit to Canton and then rush away. A different aspect has been put on matters in recent years by the advent of the motor car, the building of new roads, the opening of the Repulse Bay Hotel, the development of Fanling with its golf attractions, and so on, Much more could be done, however, and the following suggestions are made to that end.
On going into the question one is confronted at the outset and continually thereafter by the fact that development from a Tourist standpoint is closely bound up with, and to a great extent hindered, by the existing very pressing problems:-
1. The resumption of Military and Naval Ground.
2. The Housing Problem.
3. The rebuilding of the City Hall. '
4. Opening up of new Building Sites at Peak and outlying
5.
parts of the Island.
Better connection between Hongkong and Kowloon.
It is, of course, somewhat out of our province to deal with these, except to point out that an additional urgency exists in regard to the prompt tackling of these problems, and obtaining relief from the handicap under which we are at present labouring.
It should be explained that we intend the term "Tourist" not merely to represent the ordinary globe-trotter," but to include:-
1.
2.
Commercial travellers.
Businessmen.
3. Ordinary Tourists-Passengers transhipping.
4.
Residents.
5. Visitors seeking to benefit their health by a change of
climate.
6.
Chinese of desirable type.
The pre-war
At present most of our visitors are businessmen. globe-trotters have not reappeared in numbers, but as soon as shipping facilities improve we may expect them again in full and increased strength. The present rate of exchange, however, appears likely to limit the probable stay of persons not having definite business here.
ATTRACTIONS.
It must be admitted that for those who are not ordinarily resident and for those who do not play golf, or take an interest in some out of the ordinary pursuits, the Colony has been rather a dull place for visitors. The natural scenic attractions are rather difficult of access, it is difficult for strangers to know where to go, and many do not realize what good things are at hand. For instance, the system of afforestation paths and the wonderful walks to be had along them is little known to strangers. One has often heard residents and visitors complain that there is nothing for them to do at night, and this is a glaring fact. The Theatres and Picture Houses are poor and unattractive, most of the streets are badly lighted, and the night aspect of the City of Victoria is generally a depressing one,
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