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Tourism
81. Tourism, making up five per cent of GDP and employing 270 000 people, has been driving the growth of many industries. In 2014, visitors to Hong Kong exceeded 60 million, an increase of 12 per cent over last year. Total spending went up by nine per cent to more than $350 billion.
82. Our tourism industry would continue moving up the value chain to attract high-spending visitors. We shall explore the construction of a convention centre above the Exhibition Station of the Shatin to Central Link to draw in more international business visitors. We shall also work with the Guangdong and Macao authorities to promote multi-destination tourism for overseas visitors, and invite neighbouring ports to join the Asia Cruise Fund with a view to encouraging cruise companies to include Hong Kong in their itineraries.
83. On tourist facilities, Government will discuss with the Walt Disney Company the Phase 2 development of the Hong Kong Disneyland Resort. This phase will cover an estimated area of 60 hectares, similar to that of Phase 1, with attractions, hotel development and retail facilities.
84. The construction of the "Iron Man Experience" in Hong Kong Disneyland and the waterpark at Tai Shue Wan in Ocean Park is expected to complete in 2016-17. The new Central harbourfront will add new elements to the renowned scenic views of Victoria Harbour. In addition to sightseeing facilities such as the Observation Wheel, a variety of carnivals, exhibitions and open-air concerts will take place from time to time. These new facilities at the harbourfront will provide novel experiences that will keep visitors and locals amused.
85. The new hotel projects in Hong Kong Disneyland, Ocean Park and the airport's North Commercial District will come on stream, providing a total of over 2 200 rooms. Ocean Park has also invited expressions of interest for the development of the proposed Fisherman's Wharf Hotel. Furthermore, the sites facing Victoria Harbour within the "hotel belt" adjacent to the Kai Tak Cruise Terminal will be made available to the market starting from the end of this year.
86. Hong Kong has many locations suitable for alfresco dining where visitors can enjoy delicacies and Hong Kong's spectacular scenery at the same time. I have asked relevant departments to implement as early as possible the proposal to facilitate alfresco dining operation, and to consider introducing Food Trucks, which is popular abroad, to the mix of Hong Kong's existing food scene.
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