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Letters | Ocean Park’s financial woes need a better solution than more grants

Readers discuss the hope for reinvention of a Hong Kong icon, the long wait for the South Island line extension, and Lithuania’s diplomatic spat with China

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Dancers perform during the media preview of a summer festival at Ocean Park’s Water World on June 27. Photo: Sam Tsang

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It is disheartening to witness the financial challenges facing one of Hong Kong’s most cherished landmarks, Ocean Park, devolve into a superficial debate within the Legislative Council. The recent suggestion to have authorities take over the management of Water World lacks substance in resolving the underlying issues and fails to present a sustainable solution (“Hong Kong’s Water World lost HK$200 million last financial year, Ocean Park chairman says”, December 3).
The grant of HK$280 million a year for four years was allocated by the Legislative Council to support Ocean Park’s conservation and education efforts, so it is perplexing how this funding is presented as an “offset” for the operational deficit of its Water World facility. Such a disconnect raises questions about the appropriateness of financial support that does not address the core managerial challenges.

Moreover, the call for a government takeover in Water World management appears misguided, especially considering that key officials of related portfolios already sit on the Ocean Park Corporation board. This raises important questions about accountability: how has their involvement influenced the park’s operational results? Why is the media spotlight primarily on the chairman when the governance structure includes a variety of stakeholders?

As a millennial in Hong Kong, it is worrying to see another iconic destination teetering on the brink of failure, following the sad fates of the Jumbo Floating Restaurant and Lai Yuen. These landmarks are more than mere tourist attractions; they embody the cultural essence of our city. The challenges they face are magnified by the current economic climate, as tourism businesses depend on foot traffic and the level of disposable income of the targeted population.
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Instead of fixating on the amount of government funding that will be allocated as a temporary fix, we must shift our focus towards fostering innovation. It is essential to create unparalleled and immersive experiences for visitors while preserving the unique identity and charm of Hong Kong.

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