CHRISTY LEUNG CHRISTY.LEUNG@SCMP.COM
PUBLISHED : Thursday, 08 October, 2015, 1:31pm
UPDATED : Thursday, 08 October, 2015, 1:31pm
Total tourist arrivals were up 1.5 per cent year-on-year during "golden week". Photo: Sam Tsang
A 1.5 per cent increase in tourist arrivals to Hong Kong during “golden week” failed to boost retail sales as visitors spent less, the city’s commerce minister said.
“Golden week” – the seven-day holiday that follows National Day on October 1 – officially ended yesterday. Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development Greg So Kam-leung said total arrivals climbed 1.5 per cent year-on-year, while inbound mainland Chinese tourists recorded 2.3 per cent growth to 1.1 million arrivals.
Despite the growing numbers, So said retail sales did not benefit because visitors are spending less than in the past. He said economic uncertainties and weakening Asian currencies had dented tourist sentiment.
So said total visitor numbers dropped 0.5 per cent in the first nine months of this year, with a 0.4 per cent slide for inbound mainland Chinese tourists in the same period.
Chairman of the Travel Industry Council, Michael Wu Siu-ieng, suggested the minor growth in inbound mainland tourists was mainly driven by those who visited the city on business visas and in group tours, as Shenzhen visitors dropped nearly 20 per cent after the multiple-entry individual visit endorsement was limited to one visit per week.
Wu admitted the tourism industry had relied too heavily on mainlanders and the slow-growth among that group would bring ripple effects to related sectors. Therefore, the council would work on strategies to boost the industry, he said.
Gerg So said said economic uncertainties and weakening Asian currencies had dented tourist sentiment. Photo: Felix Wong
Meanwhile, tourism-sector lawmaker Yiu Si-wing slammed the government for resting on its laurels.
“The government, in no doubt, holds responsibility [for falling visitor numbers],” Yiu said.
“They should have known years ago that the industry should not rely too much on mainlanders and should have launched new attractions and products long ago. Now it is too late to change.”
Yiu said the city’s attractions should not be limited to theme parks and being a “shopping paradise”, as these features had lost their shine for international tourists.
He suggested the government could make good use of Hong Kong’s British colonial history and promote the historical side of the city.
“Visitors to Vietnam or even to Macau can experience a touch of France and Portugal. It works the same in Hong Kong.” Yiu said.
http://m.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/economy/article/1865178/tourist-numbers-edge-during-golden-week-hong-kong-retailers
