Letters | Hong Kong cannot revive its fortunes by mimicking the mainland

Readers discuss Hong Kong’s efforts to boost tourism, and caution against supporting the pet breeding industry

Hong Kong economy

Letters

Published: 11:30am, 23 Sep 2023

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Since Hong Kong and the mainland resumed quarantine-free travel, the number of Hongkongers going to the mainland has skyrocketed. Hongkongers made 4.68 million trips across the border in July alone.

Meanwhile, our city’s food and beverage sector is suffering from having fewer tourists, with many locals spending their holidays and long weekends overseas rather than in Hong Kong.

Hong Kong, the shopping paradise, is becoming less attractive to mainland tourists. As such, the government has tightened its economic growth forecast from 3.5-5.5 per cent to 4-5 per cent.

While other destinations are using their unique attractions to reboot their tourism industries after Covid-19, Hong Kong seems to be lagging behind.

Some politicians have made patriotic point-scoring suggestions, saying Hong Kong should learn from mainland cities and use night bazaars to revitalise our nightlife. We also often hear of Hong Kong being compared to Shenzhen.

Does Hong Kong’s success really lie in emulating other cities? After all, in the past, it was our uniqueness that attracted visitors. Our city’s charm comes from being the most global Chinese city. Our diversity, cosmopolitan culture and vibrancy make us one of the most attractive world cities on top of being China’s most appealing city.

International tourists can find a melting pot of East and West, tradition and modernity, fast-paced city life and beautiful tranquil nature. Mainland tourists are attracted to our distinctive culture, vibe and lifestyle just across the border, within the same country.

More than mimicking mainland models, thinking out of the box should involve identifying our uniqueness, leveraging our advantages and maintaining our international prestige and reputation.

Cheap food, brand new air-conditioned shopping malls and cashless payments might make life more comfortable but it takes much more than that to make a great city. The most visited cities on Earth are not always the most comfortable to live in but their charm lies in their culture, lifestyle and history.

Being Asia’s World City, we have what it takes. We should look within ourselves and not seek to emulate others.

Christopher Ip, North Point

Stop treating pets as products

When you stroll around Mong Kok, you may well encounter many pet shops, with dogs and cats staring at you with wild eyes. You may even be tempted to bring one of them home. However, have you ever thought of the experiences behind those adorable faces?

If you keep abreast of animal-related news, you would be acquainted with pet breeding centres. Breeders aim to produce carbon copies of posh dogs and cats, focusing on profits to the detriment of animal rights. Many breeding sites are unhygienic and abusive, not to mention legally questionable. Buying pets which originate from these businesses promotes animal abuse.

People should consider adopting. Instead of buying their children a pet for their birthday, parents could give them a lesson in valuing life by adopting an animal.

One should also be serious about pet adoption. Pets are not products that can be returned if they do not suit you. Although shelters make it clear they have no space to take in more animals, owners still abandon pets at shelter doors. This is traumatic for the animals.

Rescued animals are stereotyped as having behavioural problems, but what caused them? If an adopted dog behaves badly, trainers and other professional help are available. Pets should not be abandoned.

Julia Chan, Ma On Shan