ECO-TOURISM AND visits to leading heritage sites are among the fastest-growing trends in global travel and Hong Kong has taken steps to cater specifically for those interests.
New attractions have opened in recent years, including the Hong Kong Wetland Park and the Dr Sun Yat-sen Museum, and special attention has been given to promoting the city's temples, marine parks, historical sites and countryside.
These attractions are drawing overseas visitors and many Hong Kong residents keen to take advantage of short tours organised by China Travel Service and smaller local operators.
The tours now available range from dolphin watching off Lantau to bird watching at Mai Po or Tsim Bei Tsui, and sea cruises to Sai Kung and the northeastern New Territories.
There are also tailor-made visits to traditional villages in Yuen Long and Tai Po.
One direct result has been increased demand for guides trained to lead eco-tours and explain key heritage sites.
According to Wendy Fung Shuk-man, business development manager for the Hong Kong Travel and Tourism Training Centre, it is important for professionals in the sector to upgrade continuously and maintain a competitive edge.