Hong Kong's reservation system at Wan Yi Geopark Walkway controls visitor numbers, improves order
Hong Kong's Environment Secretary Tse Chin-wan says the trial reservation system at Sai Kung's Wan Yi Geopark Walkway has effectively controlled visitor numbers, with average daily visitors reduced to about 950 during peak periods. The system improved crowd flow and reduced congestion at viewing pla
Hong Kong's Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Tse Chin-wan, told the Legislative Council on 4 November that the trial reservation system at the Wan Yi Geopark Walkway's Po Chin Chau section in Sai Kung's High Island Reservoir has effectively controlled visitor numbers and dispersed crowds. During the trial, an average of 1,760 people entered the East Dam daily, with about 960 reserving access to the Po Chin Chau section. Vehicle traffic averaged 129 minibuses and 396 taxis per day.
Tse said the reservation system improved visitor management at the East Dam and Po Chin Chau section, making it more orderly. During the Lunar New Year and Labour Day Golden Week holidays this year, the Po Chin Chau section saw an average of about 2,000 visitors daily. During the National Day Golden Week, when the reservation system was implemented, daily visitor numbers were effectively controlled to about 950, with noticeably smoother crowd flow.
The system also controlled numbers at the Po Chin Chau viewing platform, reducing peak-hour crowds by over 30 per cent, significantly easing congestion. Tse said the trial showed the reservation system effectively controlled and dispersed crowds, reducing environmental damage and improving visitor experience. The system operated smoothly with good on-site order.
The government is now conducting a comprehensive review of the trial results, studying the effectiveness of the reservation system as a crowd management measure, summarising operational experience to identify areas for improvement, and examining whether fees could be charged. The government will announce the results after completing the review.
Legislative Council member Yiu Pak-leung suggested different government departments study long-term solutions for crowd management at the East Dam, rather than relying on inter-departmental task forces during festivals. Tse responded that the government could cooperate with the tourism industry to select several tourist spots and organise them into themed eco-tours. The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department is willing to cooperate, including allocating some of the 2,000 daily reservation slots at Po Chin Chau section to such tour groups. Tse believed that developing eco-tourism as a tourism product could improve economic development, order management, and visitor experience.