Lawmakers Push for Ecotourism Overhaul as Survey Reveals Strong Public Support
SCMP · 5 SOURCESabout 24 hours ago3 MIN
Summary
A new survey has highlighted significant public support for developing Hong Kong's ecotourism sector, with more than 70 percent of residents believing the city possesses strong potential for nature-focused experiences. The poll, commissioned by Legislative Council member Perry Yiu Pak-leung and the New Youth Forum think tank, found that while residents see potential, they feel the city lacks quality options and proper management of its countryside attractions. Yiu is urging the government to abandon what he describes as a reactive, piecemeal approach and instead create a comprehensive strategy for sustainable ecotourism development. Separately, the tourism and food industries are launching a carnival in Tseung Kwan O this Saturday to guide visitors from popular ecological sites like Sai Kung East Dam into the surrounding district for extended spending.
Key Points
- The telephone survey of 651 residents conducted between August 18 and 26 found 71.8 percent agreed Hong Kong's countryside resources could be developed into high-quality ecotourism products
- 62.1 percent of respondents felt the city lacked enough high-quality ecotourism products, while 59 percent expressed interest in more in-depth experiences
- 75.8 percent supported implementing booking systems at popular ecological attractions, and 73.1 percent said selected hotspots should be accessible only through accredited travel agencies and professional guides
- Yiu proposed establishing a cross-departmental task force, reviewing the trial booking system at High Island Geological Trail's Po Pin Chau section, and extending the crowd control model to East Dam and Tai Mo Shan
- Industry representatives raised concerns about outdated regulations, complex permit applications for restricted areas, and unlicensed cross-border hiking tours promoted on platforms like Xiaohongshu affecting legitimate operators
- The tourism and food industries will hold a two-day carnival at City One Shatin starting Saturday (September 19), featuring 15 booths offering Cantonese cuisine, cooking workshops, and prizes including cross-border bus tickets and free flights
- Tourism industry leader Cui Tingbang stated the carnival aims to encourage visitors who hike at Sai Kung East Dam to extend their trips and spend in the district rather than returning directly to the city
- The Travel Industry Authority revoked licenses from travel agencies and guides involved in forced shopping incidents, with the industry proposing cloud monitoring systems on tour buses to supervise guide conduct
Why It Matters
Hong Kong's country parks cover nearly 40 percent of the city's total land area, yet most visitors treat these areas as ordinary leisure destinations rather than sites for genuine ecological experiences . Yiu's call for a high-level cross-departmental task force represents a significant policy shift that could reshape how the city manages its natural assets while creating sustainable tourism revenue and protecting fragile ecosystems. The dual approach of implementing proper visitor management systems and incentivizing deeper district exploration could transform Hong Kong's image beyond its urban core, benefiting both the environment and local businesses seeking to capture visitor spending.
Hong Kong's country parks cover nearly 40 percent of the city's total land area, yet most visitors treat these areas as ordinary leisure destinations rather than sites for genuine ecological experiences . Yiu's call for a high-level cross-departmental task force represents a significant policy shift that could reshape how the city manages its natural assets while creating sustainable tourism revenue and protecting fragile ecosystems. The dual approach of implementing proper visitor management systems and incentivizing deeper district exploration could transform Hong Kong's image beyond its urban core, benefiting both the environment and local businesses seeking to capture visitor spending.