Ocean Park visitor numbers slip on wet weather, new rules for mainland tourists

Annual visitor numbers at Ocean Park slipped for to 7.6 million from last year’s record peak as new mainland tourism rules and wet weather dented visitor numbers.

Ocean Park’s annual report showed attendance had fallen to 7.6 million people in the year to June this year, down from more than 7.7 million in the previous year – which had been a ninth consecutive record for the attraction.

Incoming chairman Leo Kung blamed wet weather in the summer of last year and a downpours in April for the drop, as well as new tourist laws for mainland visitors.

“The introduction of China’s new tourism law in October last year also immediately stunted the growth in group arrivals from the Mainland,” Kung said.

China introduced a ban on “forced shopping,” or tours sold at below cost price where tour companies recoup costs through commission made in shops.

Group visitor numbers fell by 30 per cent in October and November last year as a result of the new laws, according to the park’s public affairs director Una Lau.