HKTA Chairman Announces Record Visitor Arrivals, Plans for New Tourism Logo.

Business & Travel Editors

HONG KONG--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 16, 2001

Visitor arrivals in Hong Kong hit a new record in 2000, topping 13 million for the first time, Hong Kong Tourist Association (HKTA) Chairman, Mrs. Selina Chow Liang Shuk-yee, JP revealed last week. The provisional total of 13.06 million visitors represents a 15% increase on the 1999 figure, as well as eclipsing the previous record of 12.97 million, set in 1996.

Mrs. Chow announced the achievement during a luncheon speech to the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce on January 11th. "This finally puts to rest the post-Handover recession blues," she said, noting that tourism revenues now contribute about HK$60 billion (US$7.69 billion) annually to Hong Kong's economy.

"While some sectors, such as retail, have still not reaped the full benefit of the tourism recovery, all signs indicate this year should see continued growth and higher spending," Mrs. Chow added. "What we don't want to see is any sharp increase in prices. After all, it is the lower air fares, lower hotel rates and lower retail prices over the past three years that have restored Hong Kong's competitive edge."

Detailed visitor arrival and spending figures for 2000 are still being compiled and the HKTA expects to announce them in early February.

Mrs. Chow also revealed at today's presentation that the choice of designs for the tourism body's new logo have been whittled down to two, both retaining the familiar red junk in a stylized form. The first reading of the Hong Kong Tourist Association (Amendment) Bill 2001 is scheduled to take place on 17 January and provides for the organization's reconstitution as the Hong Kong Tourism Board from 1 April 2001.

"After long deliberation and consultation, we decided to retain the red junk because it is still the most instantly recognizable symbol of Hong Kong throughout the world," Mrs. Chow explained. "What we have done is give the original logo a sleek, modern look in line with Hong Kong's dynamic image."

Views on the two designs are now being canvassed from visitors, local residents, opinion leaders and Government officials before a final decision is made. Chamber members attending today's lunch were given their own chance to contribute to the debate when they were handed out copies of the designs and asked to cast their vote.

Mrs. Chow emphasized, however, that the transformation to the Hong Kong Tourism Board was not merely a cosmetic facelift, but a reflection of dynamic changes that would bring new focus to the tourism body's work. "These changes will give new impetus to the development of our tourism industry and benefit the whole community of Hong Kong," she pledged.