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332 Travel and Tourism

rooms, as well as retail, dining and entertainment facilities. In its first year of operation, the number of theme park visitors is estimated at 5.6 million, rising to 10 million after about 15 years. The overall additional spending is expected to amount to some $9.5 billion in Year 1, rising to $18.7 billion per annum in Year 20 and beyond.

Beyond Disneyland, the Government is committed to building on Hong Kong's attractiveness as a tourist destination through the development of major new tourist attractions and the enhancement of existing facilities:

Construction of the Tung Chung Cable Car System linking Tung Chung and Ngong Ping on Lantau Island by the franchisee of the system, MTR Corporation Limited (MTRCL), commenced in December 2003. In addition, the MTRCL is also developing 'The Village' in Ngong Ping to provide complementary facilities to meet the needs of visitors to the area. By early 2006, visitors will be able to enjoy. a spectacular panoramic view of the South China Sea and the natural scenery of Lantau during a 20-minute ride on the Cable Car System;

Construction of the heritage tourism development at the former Marine Police Headquarters compound in Tsim Sha Tsui started in March 2004. This is the first project in which the private sector has been involved to preserve, restore and convert historic buildings as a tourism-themed development to enable local residents and visitors alike to appreciate Hong Kong's unique cultural heritage. The successful bidder plans to turn the site into a heritage hotel, with food and beverage outlets, and retail facilities. The project is expected to be completed in 2008;

Construction work on Phase 2 of the Hong Kong Wetland Park at Tin Shui Wai scheduled for completion in early 2006 is proceeding smoothly. The park will be Hong Kong's first major ecotourism facility. Upon the opening of Phase 2, the park is expected to attract some 540 000 nature lovers a year to appreciate the unique wetland habitat of Hong Kong;

The site work of the Heart Sutra Inscription Project, a large outdoor wood inscription of a Chinese calligraphy masterpiece by renowned scholar Professor Jao Tsung | featuring the Prajna Paramita Hrdaya Sutra started in September 2004. The wood inscription will be erected at a site at the foot of Lantau Peak, near Ngong Ping and is targeted for completion in early 2005;

The Government commissioned a consultancy to examine the market demand of the cruise industry as well as the need for cruise terminal facilities in the medium to long term. The study confirmed the need to develop additional cruise terminal facilities to meet the forecast demand, if Hong Kong wished to position itself as a regional cruise hub. The Government is considering means to enable the timely development of the new cruise terminal facilities;

The Government is also assisting Ocean Park in its long-term strategic review, which will also help to map out the future development at the Aberdeen Harbour tourism node surrounding the park;

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