ENG-2005 — Page 365

Travel and Tourism | 315

appreciate Hong Kong's unique cultural heritage. It is the first project of its kind to involve the private sector. 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;

• The Government is taking forward a green tourism development programme in the Northern New Territories to diversify Hong Kong's attractions as a premier tourist destination. The programme's pilot project in the Plover Cove and Tolo Channel area includes enhancement of basic facilities, promotion of an island-hopping itinerary, and complementary conservation and education initiatives. The basic improvement works were scheduled to start early 2006 and will be completed in 2007, while a trial scheme on the proposed island-hopping tour will be launched by Hong Kong Tourism Board in the second half of 2006. The Government is also considering the promotion of green tourism in Tung Ping Chau under the principle of sustainable development;

• The Government continues to implement the Tourism District Enhancement Programme in order to enhance and sustain Hong Kong's appeal as a premier tourist destination. The completed projects include improvement of the Sai Kung and Lei Yue Mun waterfront, the Central and Western District Enhancement Project, and the Avenue of Stars which is a joint venture with the private sector. Beautification works for the Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade and Stanley waterfront are in progress and will be completed in 2006 and 2007 respectively. Work on the Peak Improvement Scheme and a new transport link. in Tsim Sha Tsui East have started and will be completed in 2007. Projects being planned include the Aberdeen Tourism Project which complements the redevelopment plan of Ocean Park, further enhancement of the facilities along Lei Yue Mun waterfront and the development of a piazza at Tsim Sha Tsui; and

• As part of the Government's strategy to broaden the range of Hong Kong tourism products, the Government has commissioned a consultancy to examine the development of spa and resort facilities in Hong Kong. The public consultation on the initial findings of the study was held from April to May 2005. The final consultancy report is expected to be completed in early 2006. The study is expected to both form a solid basis and provide information for the market to take forward the development of spa and resort facilities in Hong Kong.

Improving Tourist Appeal

Enhancement of Visitor Signage

To provide a systematic and easily identifiable system of signs at various tourist attractions in Hong Kong, the Tourism Commission introduced the Visitor Signage Improvement Scheme in 2001. The scheme covers all 18 districts and will be fully completed in 2006. The system includes directional signs, map boards and identification signs to guide visitors to popular tourist spots and provide interesting background information about the area.