Budget Speech

Promoting Tourism

80.      Last year, the financial tsunami and the human swine influenza dealt a heavy blow to tourism. Thanks to the support of the Mainland authorities and the concerted effort of the Government and the travel industry, total visitor arrivals have reverted to an upward trend since August. Total visitor arrivals in 2009 rose slightly to nearly 30 million, exceeding the total for 2008. As the economy recovers, we expect a further increase in the number of visitors.

81.      Starting last April, Shenzhen permanent residents have been able to apply for an individual visit endorsement that allows them to make multiple visits to Hong Kong in one year. As at early February this year, the total number of trips made with this endorsement to visit Hong Kong exceeded 1.9 million. The response is encouraging. Arrangements for non-Guangdong residents living in Shenzhen to apply for individual visit endorsements in Shenzhen were also implemented last December.

82.      We hope that these measures to help Shenzhen residents visit Hong Kong can be extended to cover more cities in the PRD region, and eventually all of Guangdong Province. As there are about 83 million permanent residents in Guangdong, the extension of these measures, if implemented, will bring considerable benefit to our tourism, retail and the related industries.

83.      We will also develop new travel themes and products to attract returning visitors. More than $25 million of funds in sponsorship of six arts, cultural and sports events held in Hong Kong has been approved so far under the Mega Events Fund unveiled last year. The results of the second round applications will be announced shortly. These diversified mega events will enrich the experience of visitors, as well as add to the vibrancy of Hong Kong.

84.      Last year saw the opening of a large number of new tourist attractions, as well as the addition of new features to existing ones. Noah's Ark in Ma Wan, the Hong Kong National Geopark, and the 1881 Heritage at the Former Marine Police Headquarters Historic Compound opened last year. A number of large scale attractions at Ocean Park are also coming on stream. All these have made Hong Kong's tourist attractions more diversified. Looking ahead, the first berth of the Kai Tak Cruise Terminal will come into operation in mid-2013. Hong Kong Disneyland has also embarked on an expansion plan to add three new themed areas over the next few years.

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