Sensible growth in tourist numbers vital to ensure quality of the Hong Kong experience
Yvonne Lo and Paul Yip say now is the time for Hong Kong to rethink its 'high-volume, low-value' approach
The growth in visitor arrivals to Hong Kong dropped from 22 per cent in 2010 to 12 per cent last year. Per capita spending of overnight visitors fell 2 per cent compared with the previous year, while hotel occupancy rates and retail value also declined in the first half of this year.
Clearly, tourism growth is slowing. Should the government lament this decline, or see it as an opportunity to embrace a new kind of sustainable tourism that doesn't sideline locals?
Mainland China is Hong Kong's largest source of visitors, accounting for about 80 per cent of the total. The influx began in 2003, when the individual visit scheme was launched, and the numbers grew by leaps and bounds after entry restrictions were further eased in 2009 and 2010. Yet, the city's ability to handle tourist numbers has not improved to match the growth.
To satisfy mainland tourists' needs, international chain stores, jewellers and pharmacies have taken over our streets. Consequently, Hong Kong has become one massive shopping mall with few local characteristics or unique charm.
The tourism industry has become so comfortable with this narrow portfolio that any changes in China's economy that affect mainland tourists' spending power affect our tourism industry almost immediately.