1997 — Page 635

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HONG KONG PROVISIONAL URBAN COUNCIL

625

Tourism has been a pillar of Hong Kong's economy. A visitor survey conducted by the HKTA indicates that about 15% of the visitors to Hong Kong were interested in taking part in cultural, sport and entertainment activities during their stay in Hong Kong. Based on the data that about 10m visitors came to Hong Kong last year, there are about Im visitors who are interested in cultural, sport and entertainment facilities and activities. They form part of the potential audience and would be of great help to the economic development of Hong Kong. As to how to define in a new and broad perspective our role as the planner of our cultural, sport and entertainment facilities, as well as to step up cooperation with the HKTA, Mr. Chairman, I have a few specific recommendations.

Our planning for cultural facilities is quite passive now. Firstly, it hinges very much on the supply and usage of land. The HKTA is in fact conducting a feasibility study on the construction of a new centre for performance on a certain site. The study will be completed by mid-1998. I wonder why the study is carried out by the HKTA and not by the Council, a major provider of large cultural facilities. I also wonder why we are not conducting the study hand in hand with the HKTA. If we were convinced that Hong Kong is in need of venues for cultural performances, working together with the HKTA would definitely facilitate our negotiation with the Government. In the end, we hope that there will be more major venues for international activities. One of the possible areas for development is local musicals. A commercial theatrical arena would ensure flourishing development of local and foreign musicals. Another great possibility is that if we have a fixed venue, we could organize some entertainment activities, such as those similar to 'Alegria'. If there was a fixed venue, then the organizers would not have to apply for the hire of the central lawn in the Victoria Park every time, which has attracted criticisms from a lot of our colleagues.

We also attach importance to sport activities. When planning for sport facilities, should we confine their use to the organization of local games or local school athletic meets or should we extend our vision to Asian games or national athletic meets? Different visions would influence our planning. 1 therefore hope that we will assume a proactive role in planning or carrying out studies, and that we will actively set up a partnership with the HKTA with a view to planning for the future and making active bids.

As for the short term, I have four major recommendations.

Firstly, a wide range of cultural activities is organized by the Council every year. I hope that those which are attractive to visitors will be selected and highlighted for promotion. The HKTA should be informed of these activities well in advance because it takes them six to eight months to spread the message overseas that Hong Kong will be holding these international events. Short notices of, say, a couple of months would do no good, I understand that the HKTA was informed of the exhibition on national treasures only two months

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