Letters | Driving tourism is as simple as focusing on Hong Kong’s unique appeal

Readers discuss Hong Kong’s uniqueness as tourism destination, the role universities play in boosting the city’s appeal, and a recent liveability ranking

Hong Kong economy

Letters

Published: 11:30am, 4 Feb 2024

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With the Covid-19 pandemic, global tourism has undergone significant changes. More are pursuing in-depth tourism, instead of just going shopping. By one estimate, global demand for cultural tourism is likely to grow at compound annual growth rate of 14.4 per cent in the coming decade. By 2033, the global cultural tourism market may reach around US$23 billion.

What do we need to learn from this? Well, if mainland tourists are no longer interested in buying luxury goods in Hong Kong, we must adapt, simple as that. In a free market, customers are king. When tastes change, it makes more sense to cater to new preferences than to waste time trying to persuade tourists to go back to their old ways.

But how should Hong Kong change? Given our limitations – a land area of 1,114.57 sq km – we are not about to discover new beach paradises. Nor is it feasible to build more theme parks.

What makes more sense, especially from a sustainable perspective, is to build on what we have and dig deeper.

Hong Kong is a city where East meets West. This is our unique feature, and it is one with deep historical roots. More than 150 years of British colonial rule and Japanese occupation have left many monuments in Hong Kong: the city’s more than 1,400 graded historical buildings are undoubtedly precious resources for in-depth tourism.

Our uniqueness is also reflected in our dining scene. Hong Kong is one of the world’s gastronomic capitals. Most recently, five restaurants in Hong Kong ranked among Asia’s 50 best. Let’s not forget a Hong Kong dining experience is not just about delicious food, but also the special atmosphere in which people enjoy the food – it’s the unique look and smell of Hong Kong’s streets and alleys that cannot be reproduced anywhere else in the world.

Dr Kevin Lau Chung Hang, advisor to Our Hong Kong Foundation

City’s soft power emanates from universities

In recent days, tourists from the mainland have flocked to the University of Hong Kong campus. There were families taking photos on the Centennial Campus, and children being guided through the university grounds. This suggests the growing popularity of Hong Kong’s universities.

Meanwhile, recent episodes of mainland Chinese students getting unusual treatment from immigration control in the United States have added to concerns about studying abroad. Against a geopolitical backdrop of US-China competition, a more stringent visa policy and the prospect of being accused of spying have made the US a less attractive destination for Chinese students.

To save themselves the trouble, many are opting for Hong Kong universities, which provide an English-learning environment and are yet near home.

The visits to local universities could also be evidence of mainland tourists’ changing tastes. Hong Kong was once a shopping paradise to many mainlanders. But as online retail matures on the mainland, travellers are now looking to immerse themselves culturally in the city.

Hong Kong universities’ global reputation has drawn tourists eager to catch a glimpse or soak up the atmosphere of elite institutions. Colonial-era architecture, such as the Main Building of HKU, a rare 100-year-old structure still standing in the city, is of interest.

As a result, universities have become attractions and emblems of the city’s soft power.

While the government and businesses have been endeavouring to run night markets and mount shows to lure tourists, we should also work on the preservation of an independent and open environment for research and study, while preventing academics from being hijacked by politics.

In addition, rather than chip away at historic places like the Fanling golf course, we could preserve them as cultural assets that may hold appeal for travellers. Let’s revive Hong Kong in multiple ways.

Alison Ng, assistant lecturer, Centre for Applied English Studies, University of Hong Kong

Do rankings do justice to Hong Kong’s liveability?

I refer to the article, “Hong Kong rebounds in expat liveability rankings but Singapore keeps top spot” (January 17).

It is important to note that various such surveys are conducted, each considering different factors. Perceptions of liveability can vary from person to person. Do these rankings truly provide a comprehensive understanding of Hong Kong’s liveability?

Regarding climate risks such as typhoons, I personally believe they do not diminish Hong Kong’s liveability for expats. In fact, they can present an opportunity to take a break and appreciate the city’s resilience. However, addressing air pollution should certainly be a priority.

Hong Kong stands out among other international cities with its top-notch transport system (which eliminates the need for personal vehicles), its convenient geographical location (which allows easy travel to mainland China and the rest of the world), as well as its breathtaking scenic spots.

Having spent a considerable amount of time in this wonderful city, I can confidently reassure expats considering a move to Hong Kong that it is indeed a highly liveable city that warmly welcomes everyone.

Ilnur Minakhmetov, Jordan