Session No. 5 File name : cedb(cit)- doc
Download 4.7 Mb.
|
- Navigate this page:
- Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2010-11
Question : What is the current progress of the Ocean Park Redevelopment project and hotel development project? Is there any specific timetable for the projects? If yes, what are the details? If not, what are the reasons? And how many additional visitors are expected to be attracted to Hong Kong each year after the completion of these projects? Asked by : Hon. IP Wai-ming Reply : The Master Redevelopment Plan of Ocean Park is progressing smoothly. Upon completion in 2012, the Park’s attractions will be doubled from 35 to over 70. Following the opening of “Amazing Asian Animals” and “Ocean Express” in 2009, another eye-catching new attraction “Aqua City”, consisting of the largest aquarium in Asia and an aquarium restaurant, will be completed by end of this year. In addition, it is expected that the new attraction “Rainforest”, featuring expedition trails and rapids ride journey, will be completed in early 2011. Ocean Park is also planning to develop three hotels in the Park, each with a distinctive theme, and is now inviting tenders for two of them, namely “Ocean Hotel” and “Fisherman’s Wharf Hotel”. It is estimated that the two hotels will be completed in 2013. Regarding the third one “Spa Hotel”, it is expected that tender will be invited after the completion of the two aforesaid hotels. According to Ocean Park, after completion of its redevelopment project, the yearly number of visitors will increase to 5.8 million in 2012-13 and over 7 million by 2021-22. In order to attract more visitors, Ocean Park has been actively participating in overseas promotional activities organised by the Hong Kong Tourism Board, including trade meetings and roadshows held in major Mainland cities, Taiwan, India and major Southeast Asian countries. Ocean Park will continue to develop the Mainland and overseas markets and promote new attractions under its redevelopment project, with a view to attracting more visitors from the Mainland and overseas.
Question : On diversifying green tourism products in Hong Kong, would the Administration please advise on: (a) the items of green tourism products which have been/are being promoted; (b) the specific measures and expenditures involved for diversifying green tourism products of Hong Kong; and (c) details of the promotion plans and publicity strategies for Hong Kong National Geopark and the expected economic benefits; and whether any provision has been made for conservation of the park in its daily operations. Asked by : Hon. IP Wai-ming Reply : (a) The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) has been promoting the Hong Kong Wetland Park and green attractions at the Mai Po Nature Reserve, Sai Kung, Lantau Island, Cheung Chau, Lamma Island, Peng Chau, etc. through various channels, including its website and publications like Hong Kong Visitor’s Kit, Discover Hong Kong Nature, Hong Kong Family Fun Guide, etc. Besides, HKTB has since 2006 arranged eco-guided tours under the “Hong Kong Nature Kaleidoscope” programme, such as the Northeast New Territories Islands Hopping Tour, Tai O Ecotour, Long Valley Ecotour, Mai Po Wetland Experience, Hong Kong Wetlands Tour, Dolphin Watching Tour and other hiking tours for overseas visitors. (b) In 2010-11, promotion of green tourism continues to be one of HKTB’s key marketing initiatives. It will continue to step up promotion in different channels. In October 2009, HKTB launched the “Great Outdoors Hong Kong!” to highlight the unique hiking experience of Hong Kong. It attracted many visitors from Japan, Taiwan, Korea and South China. This year, HKTB will continue to make use of this platform to publicise Hong Kong’s natural attractions. The above work will be implemented with existing resources. No additional expenses will be incurred. (c) The Hong Kong National Geopark (the Geopark) is one of our important natural resources, and has been well received by overseas visitors since its opening in November 2009. Regarding promotion, HKTB has joined hands with the tourism industry to reinforce the Geopark itineraries in green tourism activities such as the “Northeast New Territories Islands Hopping Tour” and “Sai Kung Coastal Treasures” guided tours, in which visitors can enjoy the geological landscapes of Tolo Channel, Double Haven, Sai Kung islands and the Ung Kong Group. Meanwhile, the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) has been arranging, through HKTB and the Travel Industry Council of Hong Kong, familiarisation visits for the tourism industry to enhance their understanding of the Geopark and facilitate the development of related tourism products. Moreover, HKTB publicises the Geopark through its website and publications, with a view to increasing overseas tourists’ interest in visiting the spectacular geosites of Hong Kong. Last month, the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development and the Consul-General of Japan visited the Geopark together and exchanged views on ways to attract more Japanese tourists to the new attraction. Promotion of the Geopark and other natural attractions will entice nature lovers to visit Hong Kong (including the silver-haired segment in Japan and hikers from long-haul and short-haul markets). Their consumption in Hong Kong will bring us economic benefits, which are nevertheless not easily quantified. In 2010-11, AFCD has earmarked $22.6 million under Head 22 Programme (2) Nature Conservation and Country Parks for the management and operation of the Geopark including nature conservation.
Directory: citb -> doc doc -> 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 Download 4.7 Mb. Share with your friends:
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||