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The Hong Kong
Tourist Association (HKTA) welcomes the measures proposed by Financial
Secretary The Hon Donald Tsang, JP, in today’s Budget Speech, in
particular his assurance of the importance of the tourism industry to
the economy.
While the Tourism Commission formulates the future direction of tourism
development, the HKTA is striving to reinforce Hong Kong’s position as
Asia’s most popular single travel destination, as well as increasing its
global market share.
With large-scale tourism projects in the pipeline, such as the
International Wetland Park, the Cable Car system on Lantau Island, and
Hong Kong Disneyland, there is an urgent need to ensure that frontline
staff are fully prepared.
To enhance the overall standard of the service industry, sufficient
training — as well as a set of service standard guidelines — are of
prime importance. The suggestion to set aside HK$300 million for the
establishment of a fund to subsidise training for staff of Small and
Medium Enterprises will certainly assist in improving the overall
service standards of tourism-related businesses.
Together with the HKTA’s Quality Tourism Services (QTS) Scheme, this
funding will increase Hong Kong’s competitiveness. The HKTA is delighted
that the Financial Secretary supports the QTS Scheme and hopes that
Government will render sufficient resources towards the expansion of the
Scheme to other industry sectors.
The accession of the People’s Republic of China to the World Trade
Organization will equip Hong Kong’s tourism industry with vast business
opportunities. Also welcomed is the suggestion to enhance
infrastructural links with Mainland China. This initiative will
strengthen tourism business between Hong Kong and the Mainland,
especially the Pearl River Delta region. In addition, the suggestion of
simplifying procedures for Mainland residents coming to Hong Kong for
business and training is sure to boost business travel, as well as
complement the HKTA’s market strategy to attract this higher-yield
sector.
The HKTA also believes that the proposal to increase the Air Passenger
Departure Tax from $50 to $80 will not affect tourism and airline
businesses. HKTA research indicates that the decision to choose Hong
Kong as a travel destination depends on the wide variety of products and
activities the SAR can provide.
To further increase Hong Kong’s appeal, the HKTA has initiated a
two-year tourism project entitled City of Life: Hong Kong is it! This
project, to be launched on 1 April in conjunction with the Hong Kong SAR
Government, the 18 Districts, the private sector and the community at
large, will emphasise the multi-layers of experiences visitors to Hong
Kong are able to enjoy. |
