ENG-2007 — Page 349

Travel and Tourism | 293

favourable response to a six-month trial run, the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) officially launched the 'Hong Kong Nature Kaleidoscope' programme, repackaging and introducing a range of eco-tours for visitors to appreciate Hong Kong's natural environment.

• The Government is continuing the Tourism District Enhancement Programme to further strengthen Hong Kong's appeal as a premier tourist destination. Projects completed under the programme include improvement to the Sai Kung and Lei Yue Mun waterfronts, the Central and Western District. Enhancement Scheme, the Avenue of Stars — a joint venture with the private sector the Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade Beautification Project and the Transport Link in Tsim Sha Tsui East. Most works under the Peak Improvement Scheme were completed in 2007, except at the Victoria Peak Garden where work was halted following the discovery in December 2006 of what is believed to be part of a former governor's summer residence. Subject to further archaeological findings, the plan for Victoria Peak Garden may need to be revised. Beautification works for the Stanley waterfront are in progress and will be completed in early 2008. Other projects on the drawing board include the Aberdeen Tourism Project which complements Ocean Park's redevelopment, further enhancement of the facilities along Lei Yue Mun waterfront and the development of a piazza in Tsim Sha Tsui.

Improving Tourist Appeal

Enhancement of Visitor Signage

To provide an easy-to-follow system of signs at popular tourist spots, the Tourism Commission introduced a Visitor Signage Improvement Scheme covering 18 districts in 2001. Phase I of the scheme was completed in December 2006 and Phase II is being implemented. The signage system comprises directional signs, mapboards and identification signs to guide visitors to popular tourist spots and provides interesting background information about the area.

Service Quality

The HKTB's Quality Tourism Services (QTS) Scheme, drawn up to promote quality service at shops, restaurants and visitor accommodation premises, is widely supported by the industry and has inspired many in the industry to improve their services. By the end of 2007, more than 1 300 retail and catering businesses, with over 6 500 outlets 4 per cent more than the previous year had earned QTS accreditation and were permitted to display the QTS logo in their premises.

During the year, the HKTB also stepped up promotion of the scheme abroad and at home, and continued to implement a series of training programmes to upgrade the standard of services provided by accredited merchants.

A hospitable community is essential to the development of the tourism industry. The Tourism Commission therefore continues to carry out a territory-wide public education campaign entitled 'A Hospitable Hong Kong'. One of the key programmes is the Hong Kong Young Ambassador Scheme, which nurtures a hospitality culture