Hong Kong urged to take advantage of great outdoors to boost tourism

Most Hongkongers think city should use its ecology to further develop ‘green’ and ‘blue’ tourism, survey finds

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Visitors enjoy the views of Po Pin Chau – an islet known for its spectacular sea stacks and which is part of the Global Geopark. Photo: Sam Tsang

Published: 9:06pm, 17 Dec 2024

Nearly four in five residents believe Hong Kong should take advantage of its ecology to further develop “green” and “blue” tourism, a survey has found, prompting calls for government departments to work together to streamline procedures and enhance support services for growth in both areas.

Tourism-sector lawmaker Perry Yiu Pak-leung and the New Youth Forum think tank on Tuesday announced the results of a survey of 849 Hongkongers aged 18 and up who were asked for their views on tourism resources.

The survey, which was conducted in November and earlier this month, found that 76 per cent of residents “agreed” or “strongly agreed” that Hong Kong had “a rich natural ecological environment which was well worth recommending to travellers”.

Likewise, 79.6 per cent said they agreed the city’s islands and coastline were also attractions they would recommend to travellers, while 80.4 per cent said Hong Kong’s geoparks were also worth a visit.

However, 33.5 per cent of respondents also said they did not realise the city had a Unesco-grade Global Geopark in Sai Kung.

Mainland tourists take snaps at Yau Ma Tei Police Station. Photo: May Tse

Yiu said apart from more promotion, authorities also needed to improve the area’s connectivity, as it was not convenient to head there by water during the cool autumn and winter seasons due to rough seas, while the sole land route towards the park was in need of maintenance.