MOTION ON “MAKING GOOD USE OF HONG KONG’S ISLAND AND COASTLINE RESOURCES TO PROMOTE THE DEVELOPMENT OF MARINE TOURISM”
Deputy President, marine tourism is rapidly emerging as an important new engine of tourism around the world. According to the latest research data, the scale of the global marine tourism market was valued at about US$158 billion in 2024 and is expected to double to US$344 billion by 2033, with average annual growth reaching 9.1%. However, Hong Kong’s current marine tourism products still rely mainly on sightseeing boat and ferry tours, with a relatively homogeneous range of products and a lack of innovation and in-depth experience. When compared with some world-renowned marine tourism cities, we are obviously still at an elementary stage. I thank Mr Kenneth LAU for proposing this motion to call on the SAR Government to proactively take measures and endeavour to develop Hong Kong into a world-class marine tourism city.
Hong Kong has 263 islands, but except for Hong Kong Island, Lantau Island, Cheung Chau, Lamma Island, Peng Chau, etc. which are permanently inhabited by people, as well as islands used for specific purposes, such as Kau Sai Chau which is used as a golf course, Middle Island which is used for yacht berthing, Hei Ling Chau where a drug addiction treatment centre is placed, and Shek Kwu Chau which is used for waste incineration, the remaining over 90% of the islands are less than 1 sq km in size, uninhabited and scattered. With the exception of Tung Ping Chau and Po Toi Island, which people would go for sightseeing, most of the other islands still maintain their pristine natural landscape and rich ecological resources. However, due to their small scale, they have never been included in any overall development planning, and thus cannot been transformed into resources that can help Hong Kong’s tourism industry enhance its international competitiveness.
To make good use of Hong Kong’s island and coastline resources to promote the development of marine tourism, the Government should first of all conduct a comprehensive survey of island resources to record in detail the topographical features, natural ecology, historical and cultural values as well as transport accessibility of each island, and then scientifically delineate different development zones based on these data.
On this basis, the Government can strongly encourage private investment and explore the feasibility of development by means of private island purchase and public-private partnership. Some of the uninhabited islands can be included in the scope of private purchase, but clear planning should be formulated to require the development projects to focus on eco-tourism and environmental education, and avoid being turned into closed private profit-making property as far as possible. The purchasers of the islands should also submit a detailed development plan and be subject to monitoring by the Government. They should also preferably use part of the revenue generated to support the ecological protection and restoration of other islands. Moreover, the right of public access should be retained. On the other hand, the Government and private enterprises can start joint development on some small islands having the development potential for leisure tourism, with the Government taking the lead in infrastructure construction, and the private enterprises providing capital and professional management, while the benefits and risks shall be shared by both parties, thereby facilitating the smooth implementation of the projects.
In addition, during the transformation process, diversified themes should be created according to the actual characteristics of the islands. For example, an eco-island supported by natural environment can attract nature-loving visitors through bird-watching, nature appreciation and environmental protection activities. A cultural island can be developed by combining the island’s history and traditional culture, which will facilitate immersion in a fishing village atmosphere and in-depth exploration by tourists. Moreover, targeting the young market, a water sports base can be developed to introduce sailing, snorkelling, windsurfing and other activities to meet the demand for adventurous experience. In the development of marine tourism, importance must be attached to transport links and infrastructural tourism facilities. For example, an integrated service centre should be built at the pier to provide tourists with convenient connecting services and comprehensive travel information to enhance the visitors’ experience.
In order to attract more visitors, consideration can also be given to planning cross-island short-haul routes. We can join hands with coastal cities in Guangdong to launch cross-boundary marine tourism packages, and by co-organizing marine festivals, sailing events, etc., consolidate and complement regional tourism resources. Targeting the high-end market, projects such as yacht tourism, sea wedding and private island travel can be devised to elevate the overall tourism brand.
Deputy President, with the combination of the aforesaid measures, it is entirely possible for Hong Kong to turn the natural and ecological advantages of the 200-odd islands into internationally competitive tourism resources, which will not only enable Hong Kong to leapfrog to become a world-leading destination for marine tourism, but also inject new vigour and impetus into the local economic and social development.
Deputy President, I support the motion and the various amendments. I so submit.