WEST KOWLOON RECLAMATION PLANS WELCOMED AS BOOST FOR TOURISM DEVELOPMENT

The Hong Kong Tourism Board has welcomed today’s announcement by the Planning and Lands Bureau that it is inviting conceptual proposals for the development of an integrated arts, cultural and entertainment district at the West Kowloon Reclamation.

“This is very much in line with the findings of a feasibility study we conducted on New Performance Venues, as part of the Visitor and Tourism Study for Hong Kong (VISTOUR) programme,” commented the Chairman of the Hong Kong Tourism Board, The Hon Mrs Selina Chow, JP.

This study showed that the provision of new arts, cultural and entertainment venues would be beneficial to tourism development, and identified the West Kowloon Reclamation as a suitable location for building an integrated performance facility.

“Inviting proposals from the planning and architectural community, and offering cash awards, is a very positive and creative way of taking the concept forward,” Mrs Chow said. “To stimulate tourism development, we hope it will be possible to select a winner and proceed with the project as soon as possible.”

Mrs Chow added that a wide range of arts and cultural activities took place in Hong Kong every year. If these events could be held within an area of easy access such as West Kowloon, this would benefit visitors and therefore the tourism industry.

Another important consideration is the prominent location of the West Kowloon Reclamation. “Victoria Harbour is an important landmark of Hong Kong and the development of its harbourfront is closely related to the tourism industry,” Mrs Chow noted. “We must make the best use of the West Kowloon Reclamation area and its excellent transport facilities to make full use of its tourism potential.”



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Note : The Hong Kong Tourism Board was formerly known as the Hong Kong Tourist Association (HKTA). The change took effect from 1 April 2001 and reflects a change to the tourism body’s constitutional structure. Its primary responsibilities for marketing and promoting Hong Kong as a destination worldwide, and for providing visitors with assistance when they arrive, remain unchanged.