Most economic experts may agree that Hong Kong’s tourism, which gives a strong push to other industries, now has become the main factor to drive the economy though it only accounts for 7 percent of the local output.
The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government made the policy of promoting economy through the development of tourism a strategy to overcome its economic hardships in the past few years. And it will remain one of Hong Kong’s important economic pillars in the future.
The government said in its 2005-2006 budget that tourism is an important sector of economy, which raises Hong Kong’s international profile and greatly benefits various aspects of local economic and cultural development.
It is estimated that during the period from 2000 to 2003 alone,tourism has created around 25,000 new jobs in Hong Kong, despite of the influence of SARS in 2003. Tourism industry performed strongly last year, with visitor arrivals reaching an all-time high of 21.8 million and the number is expected to exceed 23 million this year.
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Related Travel Information
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The "Discover the Hong Kong Magic" campaign will start on Sunday, a government press release said on Friday.
"The opening of Hong Kong Disneyland in 2005 presents a unique opportunity for Hong Kong to reposition itself as a premier destination for family tourists," Tang said.
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Emirates Holidays, the tour operating arm of Emirates Airline and one of the largest wholesale tour operators in the Middle East, declared a revenue of Dhs 355 million (US$97 million) for the financial year ended 31st March 2004 - an increase of 23 per cent over the previous year.
Around 100,000 tourists travelled with Emirates Holidays over the past twelve months, with the top destinations proving to be the U.A.E, Malaysia, Thailand, the United Kingdom, Egypt, Mauritius, the Maldives, Singapore, Lebanon and India. The six destinations growing fastest in popularity were Singapore, Australia, Switzerland, Austria, Hong Kong and New Zealand.
The past
Integrated resorts only one part of govt's tourism promotion
The decision to host two integrated resorts is only one part of the government's overall development plan for the tourism industry.
Trade and Industry Minister Lim Hng Kiang stressed the move was not an act of economic desperation.
Indeed, the minister said the Singapore economy was doing well.
Mr Lim was speaking to reporters after witnessing the launch of a double MBA programme by Nanyang Technological University and Japan's Waseda University.
Well before a decision was taken for two integrated resorts, the government had already spelt out ambitious targets for the tourism