HKTB welcomes Government's measures to strengthening the tourism industry

The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) announced that it welcomes and supports the Policy Address presented by Chief Executive Mr Tung Chee Hwa today (8 January), in which a series of measures were announced to enhance Hong Kong's tourism competitiveness. The Board says it is also encouraged as the Central Government agreed to study further relaxation of travel restrictions relating to Mainland residents. These proposals will certainly assist in consolidating Hong Kong's status as a premier travel destination.

HKTB Chairman The Hon Mrs Selina Chow, GBS, OBE, JP echoed Mr Tung's views that staunch support from the Mainland and a global outlook had been crucial to Hong Kong's economic success. "This also applies to the promotion of the tourism industry," Mrs Chow said. "For one thing, we have to make it easier for Mainland travellers to visit Hong Kong. And for another, we need to capitalise on Hong Kong's appeal as an international city and its fusion of cultures that attract both leisure and business travellers worldwide.

"When enhancing Hong Kong's tourism competitiveness, in addition to focusing on the development of new attractions and marketing promotions, Hong Kong's overall image and competitive edge should also be taken into account, in order to draw up necessary improvement measures," Mrs Chow said.

"With the government's strenuous support, investment from the trade and participation by the community at large, achievement could be more effective," Mrs Chow remarked. "The government's commitment to promote Hong Kong as Asia's World City, by enhancing its status as a trade centre, speeding up of border clearance, improvement of port connections, development of innovative industries, creating a clean environment and enhancing local residents' trilingual language proficiency, further demonstrates that diversified policies and measures are instrumental in developing the potential of the tourism industry."

The Mainland is a major source market to which the HKTB has attached a great deal of importance. In response to the Central Government's intention to allow residents within Guangdong Province to visit Hong Kong as independent travellers, the HKTB is in the progress of making the necessary arrangements to handle this new development. This includes the setting up of a representative office in Guangzhou as soon as possible, strengthening of marketing promotions and liaison with trade partners. The Board will also join forces with local trade partners in creating new itineraries targeting independent travellers in the Mainland, in such a way as to enrich their travel experience and stimulate their spending.

"The provision of valued-added service plays a crucial part in cementing Hong Kong's status as a premier travel destination," Mrs Chow said. "In this regard, this year we will further strengthen the promotion of the Quality Tourism Services (QTS) scheme both locally and overseas. In order to build up a better reputation for Hong Kong, the HKTB will promote the programme both to the trade, to encourage more merchants to participate, and to visitors, to encourage them to patronise QTS outlets."

In summary the HKTB agrees with the direction laid down in the Policy Address. It takes the view that the implementation process of various policies is of equal importance, so that visitors' travel experience can be enhanced. This includes the provision of complementary facilities for various tourism infrastructure projects and encouraging the private sector to increase investment so as to speed up the implementation.