Hong Kong Tourism Board said in Hong Kong on Monday that it
expects Hong Kong's visitor arrivals to surge 8 percent to 30.43
million in 2008.
The board also predicted spending related to inbound tourism
forecast will rise 10.7 percent against last year to 152.7 billion
Hong Kong dollars (1.96 billion U.S. dollars).
Outlining its 2008-09 work plan in the Legislative Council on
Monday, the board said the projected growth rate is higher than
World Tourism Organization's forecast that international travel
will rise 5 percent in 2008, and above the Pacific Asia Travel
Association's estimate Asia Pacific arrivals will see lower but
stable growth of 6.2 percent.
Among the projected visitor arrivals, those from the Chinese
mainland will account for 16.8 million, up 8.3 percent on a year
earlier, while those from other places will grow 7.7 percent to
13.7 million.
Looking ahead the board is cautiously optimistic on the outlook
for the tourism industry with due regard to favorable exchange
rates, increased flight capacity, continuous expansion of the
Chinese mainland outbound travel market and the 2008 Beijing
Olympics.
There are also potential risks too, including the slowing down
of world travel due to uncertainties in the US economy, stiff
competition from neighboring destinations, and increased air
connectivity between the Chinese mainland and other gateways, the
board said.
The board said it will use the Beijing Olympics to reinforce
Hong Kong's image and reputation, promoting it as a "must-stop"
city on the China itinerary. Giant Olympic rings will be installed
along the harbor front while an Olympic piazza will be erected at
the Cultural Center.
(Xinhua News Agency January 29, 2008)
