Replies to initial written questions raised by Finance Committee Members in examining the Estimates of Expenditure 2012-13 Director of Bureau : Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development Session No. 12 File name : cedb(cit)- doc
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- Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2012-13
Question : In 2012-13, the Commerce, Industry and Tourism Branch will continue to work with the industry to enhance the appeal of Hong Kong as an international convention, exhibition and tourism capital. Recently, a number of incidents that took place in Hong Kong have damaged the reputation of the tourism industry in Hong Kong, including the findings of an international survey organisation that Hong Kong residents were not friendly enough towards tourists; the suspension of Ngong Ping cable car service for two months; the repeated suspension of amusement rides in the Ocean Park; and the findings of an investigation by the Consumer Council that there were incidents of tourists being deceived by unscrupulous shops. Will the Administration conduct a comprehensive and in-depth review of the tourism developments in Hong Kong in view of the incidents happened recently and suggest possible measures to enhance the image of the tourism industry in Hong Kong? What is the detailed plan for working with the industry to enhance the appeal of Hong Kong as an international convention, exhibition and tourism capital? What are the estimated expenditure and manpower involved? Asked by : Hon. LAM Tai-fai Reply : Tourism is a major pillar of Hong Kong’s economy. The Government is committed to enhancing the tourism appeal of Hong Kong. To maintain the image of Hong Kong as a preferred international tourism destination, the Government has been working closely with the operators and management of tourist attractions to ensure that the facilities and services they offer will meet the needs and aspirations of our visitors. The Government conducts review on matters relating to tourism development from time to time. Regarding the regulation of travel agents, the Government conducted a public consultation exercise on the review of the operation and regulatory framework of the tourism sector in Hong Kong from April to July last year, and announced the decision to set up an independent statutory body as the regulatory body of the tourism sector for the healthy and sustainable development of our tourism sector. To enhance protection for consumers against unfair trade practices and create a fair competition environment for the enterprises, the Trade Descriptions (Unfair Trade Practices)(Amendment) Bill 2012 was gazetted on 24 February this year and the Government will work closely with the Legislative Council with a view to completing the scrutiny of the bill as soon as practicable. Regarding incidents of individual tourism attractions, Ngong Ping 360 is conducting thorough investigations into the incidents, replacing all relevant parts, and improving the company’s contingency and communication arrangements. In view of the ride incidents occurred last year, the Ocean Park announced new “Guidelines on Public Announcement for Ride-Related Incidents” to enhance communications with tourists. In addition, the Park has engaged an independent consultant to review the operations of all its mechanical rides. The consultant has suggested some improvements measures and the Park is taking steps to implement them. The expenditure on the above aspects of work has been subsumed into the provision for 2011-12 for the Commerce, Industry and Tourism Branch of this Bureau. It is difficult to quantify such expenditure separately. Regarding the promotion of MICE (Meetings, Incentives travels, Conventions and Exhibitions), the Hong Kong Tourism Board established a dedicated office, “the Meetings and Exhibitions Hong Kong” (MEHK) in 2008 to step up MICE promotion. Since its establishment, the MEHK has been in close co-operation with the MICE trade to promote MICE tourism. In 2012-13, the MEHK plans to spend $49.4 million on MICE promotion.
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