ENG-1994 — Page 392

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TRAVEL AND TOURISM

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TOURISM is the territory's second largest earner of foreign exchange.

A record 7.4 million international visitors (excluding travellers from China) came to Hong Kong in 1994, an increase of 2.5 per cent over the previous year. Visitor arrivals from China (foreign residents and China nationals) grew by 12.2 per cent in 1994 to 1.9 million. Total visitor arrivals, at 9.3 million, represented an increase of 4.4 per cent.

Tourism earnings (excluding spending by visitors from China) registered an increase of 7.1 per cent, setting another record at $64.3 billion.

Hong Kong remained Asia's most popular travel destination. Apart from China, the largest increase in visitor arrivals in recent years has been from neighbouring areas in the Asian region, notably Taiwan, which accounted for 17.8 per cent of total arrivals in 1994. Other major markets were Japan (15.4 per cent), Western Europe (12.1 per cent), Southeast Asia (12.8 per cent), North America (10.3 per cent) and Australia and New Zealand (3.4 per cent).

During the year, one new hotel opened, bringing the total number of rooms available in the territory to 33 490.

The Hong Kong Tourist Association

The Hong Kong Tourist Association (HKTA) was established by the Hong Kong Government in 1957 to develop the territory's tourism industry. The association works to increase the number of visitors to Hong Kong; promotes the improvement of visitor facilities; secures overseas publicity for the territory's attractions; co-ordinates the activities of the tourism industry; and advises the government on industry-related matters. In short, it works to maximise the tourism industry's contribution to the territory's socio-economic prosperity.

The chairman and members of the board of management of the HKTA are appointed by the Governor. The association receives an annual subvention from the government. It also derives funds from membership dues, the sale of publications and souvenirs, and from its own commercial tours.

At the end of 1994, the association had 1 662 members, comprising airlines, hotels, travel agents, tour operators and retail, restaurant and other visitor service establishments.

In order to plan strategies for the industry's long-term development, the HKTA, together with the Planning Department, commissioned a major research initiative to study trends and