ExplainerWhat is Hong Kong’s politeness drive all about, and how does it compare with other tourism campaigns?
- Hong Kong launches ‘Let’s Go the Extra Mile’ drive, which aims to foster polite manners among catering, retail and taxi industries
- City launched wave of similar initiatives nearly three decades ago, with local stars encouraging restaurants, retailers and cabbies to be more courteous
Hong Kong is bringing back a campaign to foster polite manners among the catering, retail and taxi industries after the city launched a wave of similar initiatives nearly three decades ago.
The government’s “Let’s Go the Extra Mile” courtesy drive launched on Monday, with film star Louis Koo Tin-lok at the helm.
With Hong Kong’s latest charm offensive already under way, the Post takes a look at what got it started, as well as how it compares with past efforts and those held outside the city.
1. Why the new campaign?
Hong Kong’s struggling tourism industry is currently battling several challenges, in particular a change in behaviour among mainland Chinese visitors, who are opting for more cultural, in-depth tours and experiences over splashing out on retail goods.
The growing influence of social media platforms such as the mainland’s Instagram-like app, Xiaohongshu, means bad customer experiences can instantly go viral.
Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism Kevin Yeung Yun-hung said now was a good time for a campaign since the sector had been “dormant” for three years.
He added that non-traditional tourist locations were seeing more visitors, with some operators only used to handling local customers in need of “reminders”.