HK Chief Executive Outlines Tourism DevelopmentThe government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) will invest over 18 billion HK dollars (2.3 billion U.S. dollars) on a number of tourism projects in the next 5 years.Speaking at the opening ceremony of the "Tourism Hong Kong" Exhibition Friday, Tung Chee Hwa, chief executive of the Hong Kong SAR, highlighted five major tourism projects that the government will spare efforts on. "First, we will develop Yam O on Lantau into a new tourism node, " Tung said. "This together with the Hong Kong Disneyland, Tung Chung Cable Car, the Big Buddha and Tai O Village will make Lantau Island a truly tourism island." The government also will leverage on the countryside and peaceful harbor in Sai Kung and encourage the development of water sports and world class resorts. "Third, we will create a culture belt stretching from the new arts, culture and entertainment area on the West Kowloon Reclamation, to the existing museums and performing venues in Tsim Sha Tsui, the former Marine Police Headquarters and the Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade," he said. Moreover, a heritage, entertainment and dining area will be built in Central, radiating from the site of the existing Central Police Station covering Government House, St John's Cathedral, Hollywood Road and Lan Kwai Fong. Finally, the government will support the Ocean Park on its strategic development plan, integrating it into the new Aberdeen Harbor tourism node, he said. Tung said the significant investments that the government is going to make in the next few years will not only add more attractive sightseeing points for visitors, but also create many new jobs for the local community and contribute to the growth of the economy. Hong Kong has seen a growth of tourist arrival by 7.5 percent in the first six months of this year, he said, adding that this is a strong testimony to Hong Kong's position as one of the most favorite tourist destinations in the world. |
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