HK needs to improve tourist facilities
Updated: 2014-04-22 08:43
By Eddy Li(HK Edition)
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Last June, the Kai Tak Cruise Terminal opened at the site of the former Kai Tak Airport, following some aggressive promotion by the government. Many believe that the terminal will become a major Hong Kong landmark, which will greatly boost tourism. Statistically speaking, however, the cruise terminal received only 26 berth applications this year - a slight increase compared to 9 in the second half of 2013. This number is still not satisfactory. I believe the reason for this lies in its deficient matching facilities.
Some weeks ago, one of the world's biggest ships, RMS Queen Mary 2, berthed at the Kai Tak Cruise Terminal with more than 2,000 passengers. Due to a lack of restaurants and retail stores, passengers had no choice but to go downtown for shopping and dining. The transport facilities have been far from satisfactory since the terminal opened. Apart from a minibus route and shuttle buses - which are only available on holidays - there are no easy ways to access the site. So when passengers from the Queen Mary 2 came ashore, the terminal operator had not arranged enough buses for more than 2,000 tourists. Moreover, the buses charged each passenger HK$100 to HK$150 for a ride. As a result, nearly half the passengers chose to take taxis. Unfortunately, taxis rarely go to the terminal, causing the tourists to wait for hours and to complain.
The Kai Tak Terminal is equipped with the largest rooftop garden in Hong Kong. It is open to the public, who can go there and enjoy great views of Victoria Harbour. Some travel agents offer one-day trips which include visits to the terminal. But private coaches have to pay gate fees of up to HK$250. To save costs, some companies make customers get on, or off, at the roundabout outside the terminal area. But this is a long distance away and is also dangerous for travelers. What is worse, the coaches cause traffic jams in the area.
These problems must be resolved soon as they have already given tourists a bad impression. I have noticed similar problems at other tourist attractions in Hong Kong. The other day, as I drove by the Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront area, I got trapped in a major traffic jam. This was caused by a large number of coaches waiting for customers.
Hong Kong is only a small place with an area of 1,104 square kilometers. Astonishingly, it can accommodate 54.3 million visitors - seven times its own population. To face the challenge of growing number of visitors, Hong Kong urgently needs better facilities. I have made several suggestions about this to the government. They are:
1. The government should develop a promenade for pedestrians from the cruise terminal to West Kowloon - by way of Hung Hom Bay and East Tsim Sha Tsui. Retail shops and restaurants could be opened along the promenade. Water transport - buses and taxis - could also be established. This would really make the most of Victoria Harbor. If this is done, tourists will be able to choose either to walk or take water transport to Kowloon City, Hung Hom, Tsim Sha Tsui or Hong Kong Island. This will alleviate traffic congestion and other pressures.
2. As mentioned in this year's budget, Hong Kong has a number of industries which could be developed into wholesale businesses. For example, clothing businesses could be established in Cheung Sha Wan; and jewelry businesses in Hung Hom. The government could also turn Tin Shui Wai into a retail center for baby products. This would not only boost the local economy and help create jobs, but also benefit tourists.
3. I also suggested that the government consider adopting a policy of "temporal distribution". This would mean setting up non-stop commercial districts in "tenantless" areas so tourists can go shopping at night. At the same time, urban areas could establish 24-7 rest areas for tourists - like those found in airport lounges.
I really hope government departments consider these suggestions, and ask companies and individuals for help.
The author is vice-president of the Chinese Manufacturers' Association of Hong Kong.
(HK Edition 04/22/2014 page9)