A survey conducted by three tourism unions in Hong Kong revealed how badly ongoing protests have affected Hong Kong's tourism sector.

The 1,012 respondents generally agreed that the number of tourist groups traveling to Hong Kong had fallen by more than 70 percent since June this year when compared with last year, and the average income of tourism employees had fallen by about 75 percent.

More than 90 percent of respondents were worried about Hong Kong's tourism prospects in the coming year.

Visitor numbers from the mainland, Southeast Asia, Europe and the US have all dropped due to the protests in Hong Kong, even though the city is traditionally a popular destination, said Wong Ka Ngai, Chairman of Hong Kong Tour Guides General Union.

The current tourism situation in Hong Kong is worse than during the SARS period, said an industry insider, adding that if the situation in Hong Kong continues to deteriorate, the work and life of tourism practitioners may be affected.

Lam Chun-sing, chairman of the Federation of Hong Kong and Kowloon Labour Unions, expressed the hope that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government will introduce relief measures to help the industry out of the woods. He suggested that the HKSAR government set up a skills enhancement program and provide loans to unemployed or underemployed workers.

Lam said that he hopes that all sectors of the community can stop the violence, calm down, build a platform for rational communication, and work together to help Hong Kong tourism develop healthily.