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Believe it or not, Hong Kong’s culture and nature are what will draw tourists
- No amount of promotion abroad, free air tickets or mega events will work if Hong Kong does not go big on local arts, culture and ecotourism
Southeast Asian countries such as Vietnam and Indonesia are making strong progress in attracting more international visitors. Elsewhere, in the Middle East, Saudi Arabia recorded a 156 per cent jump in international arrivals compared to 2019.
The problem with Hong Kong tourism is likely to lie squarely with the city’s declining competitiveness and attractiveness to international tourists.
Unfortunately, Hong Kong’s strong dollar (thanks to its US dollar peg) and the recent slowdown in the Chinese economy has led to flagging enthusiasm among mainland tourists for Hong Kong.
But this attraction now pales in comparison to the rapidly evolving skylines of first-tier mainland cities, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok, with new architecture marvels being thrown up every few years and in destinations much cheaper to visit than Hong Kong. Consequently, the attractiveness of The Peak, which offers grand views of the city, has declined.
A city with moderate-looking skyscrapers can only aspire to moderate visitor numbers and tourist spending.
Also, Hong Kong needs to look to nature for answers and properly develop its ecotourism. In my most recent trip to Hong Kong, I was surprised by how many fellow foreigners I met who were not aware of the beauty of Hong Kong’s nature.
Hong Kong could look to Indonesia’s Bali, a leader in local art and nature-based tourism. Just like Bali, Hong Kong is a built-up space with areas of nature where tourists can easily hike and camp, surrounded by rich traditions and diversity.
Bali, as the only primarily Hindu society within Muslim-majority Indonesia, looks and feels radically different from anywhere else in the country. The same contrast can be felt between Hong Kong and the rest of China.
Balinese art is well known and local authorities continue to invest in arts and culture. When even a simple village house can look as artistic as a temple, this leaves a lasting impression on visitors.
Also, Bali seems to have more festivals than almost anywhere else, earning it the title “island of the gods”. As most celebrations are open to the public, Bali offers tourists a rich calendar of cultural experiences.
The contrast between Hong Kong’s extreme capitalism and its natural beauty could help the city win more hearts and minds worldwide. And seeing a recovery in international tourist arrivals and with it a boost for the local economy will, in turn, help Hongkongers smile more.
Chee Yik-wai is a Malaysia-based intercultural specialist and the co-founder of social enterprise Crowdsukan
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