Tourism bounces back in December - Business Travel - Hong Kong - Brief Article - Statistical Data Included

Business Asia, Feb, 2002

DESPITE THE effects of 11 September, visitor arrivals to Hong Kong grew by 5.1 per cent in 2001 from the previous year, reaching a record 13,725,332 visitors, the Hong Kong Tourism Board's (HKTB) latest figures show.

While some of Hong Kong's key markets continued to show negative growth in December 2001, particularly the Americas (down 10.3 per cent compared with December 2000) and North Asia (down 7.5 per cent), these decreases were significantly lower than those from October and November last year.

Arrivals from mainland China maintained their recent buoyancy, increasing a further 29.1 per cent. Arrivals from South East Asia and South Asia also continued to show good growth, rising 7.4 per cent.

Although the HKTB has not made any detailed forecasts for 2002, executive director Clara Chong said she was "cautiously optimistic" the recovery would continue. "We saw the full impact of the terrorist attacks in our October figures, but since then, all markets have been showing a steady comeback," she said.

"It's clear that customer confidence is returning, albeit slowly, helped by the very competitive air fares and hotel rates that are now on offer. These present a challenge of their own to the tourism industry, though, as it means that yields are generally lower.

"We feel encouraged hat Hong Kong has done better than many other leading destinations in returning to positive growth, but at the same time we have to recognize that the year ahead is going to remain very difficult. Many of our key source markets are still in the throes of economic depression, while competition for the tourist dollar is going to become even fiercer in 2002."

Chong said Hong Kong's position as the major regional transport hub and gateway to mainland China placed it in a strong position to build on the growth of 2001.

"China's accession to the WTO and the award of the 2008 Olympics to Beijing will create more interest than ever in visiting, or doing business, with China. Hong Kong will certainly benefit from this," she said.

"In addition, the relaxation of visa restrictions on mainland visitors to Hong Kong and the sharp increase in the number of licensed tour agents should continue to boost arrivals from this critical market.

"Overall, I am confident that Hong Kong will be able to maintain its position as Asia's most popular single destination in 2002."