HONG KONG: THE FACTS
Tourism
The tourism industry is a major pillar of the economy of Hong Kong. In 2009, it contributed to 3.3 per cent of Hong Kong's GDP. It employs over 193 200 persons, accounting for 5.5 per cent of total employment.
The global economic recovery has restored travel sentiment. Visitor arrivals in the first half of 2011 rose by 14.7 per cent compared with the same period in 2010 to 19.3 million, setting a new arrival record. The Mainland continued to be the largest source market with 12.7 million arrivals in the first half of 2011, representing an increase of 21.1 per cent and accounting for 65.7 per cent of total visitor arrivals.
Accommodation and Length of Stay: By end June 2011, Hong Kong had 184 hotels, with 61 828 rooms. Total room supply increased by 1 724 rooms or 2.9 per cent than in June 2010, whilst the average occupancy rate noted an increase of 4 percentage points to 88 per cent as compared with the same period last year. The average length of stay of overnight visitors in 2010 was 3.6 nights. To enhance the competitiveness of the hotel industry and entice visitors to lengthen their stay, the Hotel Accommodation Tax has been waived since July 1, 2008. The Government has undertaken a number of initiatives to promote hotel development to meet the diversified needs of our visitors. For example, a number of sites in different parts of Hong Kong have been designated as "hotel use only". There are also initiatives to allow conversion of old industrial buildings and re-vitalisation of heritage buildings into hotels.
Tourism Commission: The Tourism Commission (TC) was established in May 1999 to coordinate within government various tourism development efforts and to provide policy support and leadership to the development of tourism in Hong Kong.
The Commission's objective is to establish and promote Hong Kong as Asia's premier international city, and a world-class destination for leisure and business visitors.
To fulfil this mission, it is essential for the trade and the Government to work closely together. The Tourism Strategy Group, comprising representatives from the Government, the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) and various sectors of the tourism industry, advises the Government on tourism development from a strategic perspective.
International Convention, Exhibition and Tourism Capital: The Government strives to enhance the appeal of Hong Kong as an international convention, exhibition and tourism capital. Additional fund is earmarked to raise Hong Kong's MICE (meetings, incentive travels, conventions and exhibitions) profile and strengthen support to MICE events to be hosted in Hong Kong. To this end, the HKTB set up a dedicated office, entitled Meetings and Exhibitions Hong Kong (MEHK), in November 2008 to step up promotion work. In the first half of 2011, there were over 725 800 overnight MICE visitor arrivals to Hong Kong, an increase of 10.3 per cent over the same period last year.
Hong Kong's main venues for MICE events are the AsiaWorld-Expo (AWE) near the airport, the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) in the heart of the city, and the Hong Kong International Trade and Exhibition Centre in Kowloon Bay. The atrium link expansion of the HKCEC was completed in April 2009. After the expansion, 19 400 square metres of additional exhibition space was created, representing a 42 per cent increase to accommodate approximately 1 000 additional booths. The AWE has also upgraded its facilities to better serve the needs of convention organisers.
In 2008, Hong Kong became the first duty-free wine port among major economies. Moreover, Hong Kong was chosen for the publication of a Michelin guide, which put Hong Kong on the global map of gourmets and connoisseurs. To further showcase Hong Kong as the premier destination for visitors to enjoy fine wine and cuisine, the HKTB has since 2009 organised the "Hong Kong Wine and Dine Festival" at the West Kowloon Waterfront Promenade and launched a variety of food and wine promotions together with the major dining districts.
Tourist Attractions and Facilities: The Government continues to develop a wide range of diversified tourist attractions in Hong Kong with a view to enhancing Hong Kong's overall attractiveness as a premier tourist destination.
The Ocean Park is implementing its redevelopment plans. Upon completion of this phased project by 2012, it will become a world-class marine-themed park featuring more than 70 attractions. New attractions opened in past years include "Skyfair Celebration", "Amazing Asian Animals" and "Ocean Express". In January 2011, "Aqua City", consisting of one of the largest aquaria in Asia and an aquarium restaurant, was opened. Another new theme zone "Rainforest" featuring Expedition Trail and the Rapids, etc. was also opened in June the same year.
Hong Kong Disneyland, another popular theme park, is undertaking its expansion plan, which is expected to be completed in phases by 2013. Upon completion of the expansion, three brand new themed areas will be added to the park, namely "Toy Story Land", "Grizzly Gulch" and "Mystic Point". "Toy Story Land" is scheduled to open by the end of 2011. The expansion will enlarge the existing theme park by about 23 per cent, adding more than 30 new attractions, entertainment and interactive experiences, bringing the total number to over 100.
The Hong Kong Wetland Park, opened in May 2006, is a world-class conservation, education and tourism facility. It consists of a 60-hectare outdoor wetland reserve
