Thursday, March 16, 1972
5.
TOURISTS MAKE VALUABLE CONTRIBUTION TO COLONY'S ECONOMY
Estimated To Spend $1,800 Million In 1972
The Hon. H.J.C. Browne said today tourists would spend an
estimated $1,800 million this year a sizeable and very valuable contribution
to Hong Kong's economy.
Because of congestion, rising costs and other factors Hong Kong
was not as attractive as it once was and was now facing competition from
other places in Asia, he added.
Mr. Browne was speaking at the resumed Budget Debate in the
Legislative Council.
"We cannot take the expansion of our tourist trade for granted and
I feel Government should take positive steps to make things more attractive
for tourists in Hong Kong."
He suggested that "more beef" be put behind the Urban Council's
campaign to clean up the city, and if necessary introduce new legislation
to strengthen the U.S.D.'s hand.
He felt a more positive approach was needed to increase the scope
of things that tourists could do.
This could be achieved by setting aside areas for resort development
and then inviting bids from international and local developers, he said.
"I would urge a new policy towards the development of resorts in
the New Territories and Lantao."
He said higher priority should be given to improving the road system
on Lantao so a vehicular ferry service could be introduced.
/Double ....