HKTA Welcomes Government Measures on Tourism Industry

The Hong Kong Tourist Association (HKTA) welcomes the measures proposed by Financial Secretary The Hon Donald Tsang, JP, in today’s Budget Speech, in particular his assurance of the importance of the tourism industry to the economy.

While the Tourism Commission formulates the future direction of tourism development, the HKTA is striving to reinforce Hong Kong’s position as Asia’s most popular single travel destination, as well as increasing its global market share.

With large-scale tourism projects in the pipeline, such as the International Wetland Park, the Cable Car system on Lantau Island, and Hong Kong Disneyland, there is an urgent need to ensure that frontline staff are fully prepared.

To enhance the overall standard of the service industry, sufficient training — as well as a set of service standard guidelines — are of prime importance. The suggestion to set aside HK$300 million for the establishment of a fund to subsidise training for staff of Small and Medium Enterprises will certainly assist in improving the overall service standards of tourism-related businesses.

Together with the HKTA’s Quality Tourism Services (QTS) Scheme, this funding will increase Hong Kong’s competitiveness. The HKTA is delighted that the Financial Secretary supports the QTS Scheme and hopes that Government will render sufficient resources towards the expansion of the Scheme to other industry sectors.

The accession of the People’s Republic of China to the World Trade Organization will equip Hong Kong’s tourism industry with vast business opportunities. Also welcomed is the suggestion to enhance infrastructural links with Mainland China. This initiative will strengthen tourism business between Hong Kong and the Mainland, especially the Pearl River Delta region. In addition, the suggestion of simplifying procedures for Mainland residents coming to Hong Kong for business and training is sure to boost business travel, as well as complement the HKTA’s market strategy to attract this higher-yield sector.

The HKTA also believes that the proposal to increase the Air Passenger Departure Tax from $50 to $80 will not affect tourism and airline businesses. HKTA research indicates that the decision to choose Hong Kong as a travel destination depends on the wide variety of products and activities the SAR can provide.

To further increase Hong Kong’s appeal, the HKTA has initiated a two-year tourism project entitled City of Life: Hong Kong is it! This project, to be launched on 1 April in conjunction with the Hong Kong SAR Government, the 18 Districts, the private sector and the community at large, will emphasise the multi-layers of experiences visitors to Hong Kong are able to enjoy.