SCMP, October 21, 2002 By Alex Lo A successful Disney theme park in Hong Kong could threaten the territory's tourism industry, workforce and even its cultural identity, an author and leading United States political scientist has warned. Richard Foglesong - a visiting scholar at the University of Hong Kong (HKU) and professor of politics at Rollins College, Florida - said it was likely that the SAR government would pay 90 per cent of the costs while collecting only 10 per cent of the profit from the venture. Judging from its past business practice, he warned that Disney could end up importing low-wage earners from outside Hong Kong. Its hotel resort at Penny's Bay would hit the local hotel industry, he said. And it would create a concentrated entertainment arena, discouraging tourists from visiting the rest of Hong Kong. 'Disney has a habit of seeking public subsidies while resisting transparency. It resists paying its own way,' Professor Foglesong told an academic audience at a recent HKU seminar. 'It is a formidable political player, effective at seducing legislators and playing the democratic game, and yet it matches Hong Kong's top-down system. It is happy to talk to just one person [who can make decisions]. 'Very few details have been disclosed about [the business side of] the deal, but it looks like the Hong Kong government will pay 90 per cent of the costs and get 10 per cent of the profit, and it's the other way around for Disney.' Professor Foglesong was one of few outsiders allowed to research Disney's company archive for his 2001 book, Married To The Mouse: Walt Disney World And Orlando, which attracted national attention in the US. The book argues that Orlando's Walt Disney World in Florida is effectively an independently-governed country, a sort of 'Vatican with mouse ears' free from official interference, regulations and bylaws - something Professor Foglesong warns could also happen at Hong Kong Disneyland. 'An SAR within the SAR,' he said. The Hong Kong Disney park is due to open in 2005 or 2006. 'Disney will offer a complete tourist experience in one place. And they are good at recreations. They could, say, recreate SoHo and Lan Kwai Fong better and safer to visit than the real things,' Professor Foglesong said. He also warned that Mickey Mouse could outbrand the multi-coloured dragon logo billing Hong Kong as Asia's world city. 'The mouse may signify more than the dragon. Hong Kong doesn't have a clear brand. Disney may end up defining Hong Kong and create brand confusion,' he said. 'It could outspend the SAR government and the tourism board on advertising. Ultimately, is [Disney] tourism compatible with SAR aspirations? 'The problem is compounded if your government is not transparent, preventing you from analysing the cost side, and if you lack a well-designed tourist tax to apportion fairly the costs and benefits of tourism.' For more about this topic, read the main news section of the South China Morning Post. Glossary venture (n) a project that is new and exciting but at the same time bears a risk of failure. Do not mix it up with adventure, which refers to an unusual, exciting and rather dangerous journey. end up (phrasal v) to be in a situation that one did not intend or want to be in Example: The Chinese University of Hong Kong's staff fear that the uncertain future may hamper the school's search for a new head. 'Will the future vice-chancellor end up being a pro vice-chancellor of the new university should a merger take place?' asked an associate professor. (Education Post, October 19, 2002) transparency (n) the quality of being easily understood because there are no secrets kept from the audience seduce (v) to lead away from accepted principles Vatican (n) a city state in Rome ruled by the Pope which is the centre of the Roman Catholic Church. Professor Foglesong tried to draw a parallel between the possible autonomous state of the theme park with the papal government in the Vatican. Discussion points - Do you agree with Professor Foglesong that the mouse may out-do the dragon? Why? - What is Hong Kong culture in your mind? How can we promote it to tourists? - How can we turn Disney's presence to our advantage and keep tourists in Hong Kong longer than just for a visit to the theme park? e-mail: ypost@scmp.com
