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 regard to the housekeeping responsibility for the Ocean Park, will the Government inform this Committee of the expenditure for the purchase of marine species by the Ocean Park in 2011-12; and of the provision earmarked for the housekeeping for the Ocean Park in 2012-13? Asked by : Hon. EU Yuet-mee, Audrey Reply : Overseeing the operation of the Ocean Park is one of the tasks of the Tourism Commission, the expenditure on which has been subsumed into the provision for 2012-13 for the Commerce, Industry and Tourism Branch of this Bureau. It is difficult to quantify such expenditure separately. In 2011-12, the Ocean Park spent a total of $4.3 million on the purchase of marine species.
Question : On “promoting nature-based tourism products in Hong Kong, including the Hong Kong Global Geopark of China”, will the Administration advise on the details of promotion plans and publicity strategies for the Hong Kong Global Geopark of China, the expected economic benefits, the projected number of visitors that will be drawn to Hong Kong and the provision earmarked for park conservation in daily operations in 2012-13? Asked by : Hon. EU Yuet-mee, Audrey Reply : The Tourism Commission (TC) is partnering with the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) and the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) in promoting nature-based green tourism products, including the Hong Kong Global Geopark of China (the Geopark), via HKTB’s marketing platform “Great Outdoors Hong Kong!”. In 2012-13, the HKTB will implement the following initiatives to promote green tourism products: Promotions targeting visitors
Promotions targeting overseas trade
Meanwhile, the TC is exploring with the HKTB, the travel trade and relevant departments on how to facilitate tourists to visit the Geopark, including launching a pilot scheme to allow coaches to transport inbound visitors to and from the East Dam of the High Island Reservoir on a limited scale, with a view to promoting nature-based tourists’ activities. The AFCD expects that over 1.5 million residents and tourists will visit the Geopark and its associated facilities in 2012-13. Promotion of the Geopark and other natural attractions will entice nature lovers to visit Hong Kong. Their spending in Hong Kong will bring us economic benefits, which are nevertheless difficult to quantify. In 2012-13, the AFCD has earmarked $29.2 million under Head 22 Programme (2) Nature Conservation and Country Parks for the management and operation of the Geopark.
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